Populus nigra betulifolia - Native Black Poplar

As Britain’s rarest native tree, it is now recognised that the Black Poplar needs immediate positive action to prevent any further decline in numbers. A large, fast-growing, broad-headed tree, it was once common on flood plains and in river valleys, but the destruction of habitat and hybridisation with other species has meant that this ecologically important tree is now seriously endangered.

Site and soil

Deep rich soil in damp river valleys. Full sun or part shade; tolerant of chalky soils.

Height and spread

Below are the approximate stages of growth, assuming sited in suitable conditions for this species;

After 10 years: 10m x 4m
After 20 years: 17m x 9m

Leaf and bark

The leaves are diamond-shaped and 10cm long. They are glossy, opening with a bronze tint in spring, darkening to a glossy dark green before turning yellow in autumn. The bark is very dark brown, almost black, and deeply fissured. The trunk is heavily burred.

Flower, seed and fruit

The flowers are catkins, borne on the tree in mid spring. Male catkins are red, the females green, the females ripening to fluffy seedheads in summer. The Black Poplar is dioecious – male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. When bought in quantity there is a good chance both sexes will be represented.

Uses

Woodland, wildlife, specimen tree. Black Poplar timber is very light, but strong, and is shock absorbent and resists heat and splintering well. It has been used to make clogs, matches, toys, artificial limbs, wagons and rifle butts. The bark has been used as a cork substitute for floats; in times of famine, the inner bark was dried and ground as flour. The young shoots can be treated to produce a hormone rooting aid for cuttings.

Wildlife

Over 20 species of moth feed on the leaves of the Black Poplar, including the Poplar Hawk Moth and the Bordered Beauty. Studies are being carried out on its potential importance in flood management.