Black poplar
25 January 2010
Thought to be England’s most threatened native timber tree, Black poplar is found across lowland England but is rarer in Northern England. It is typically found along floodplains, rivers and by other water bodies. It has deeply fissured dark-brown bark which can appear almost black, and produces fluffy white catkins in the Spring. The timber of the Black poplar is strong, lightweight and resistant to shocks and splintering. It has traditionally been used to make shields and more recently artificial limbs and children’s toys.
Latin name: Populus nigra
Population numbers: Accurate figures are difficult to come by with some estimates suggesting as few as 7,000 individual trees in England. However, a more likely number is 10-15,000.
Where to see and when: Black poplar is found along river valleys and other water courses, though is sometimes planted as a street tree in urban areas. It is a lowland species and is only rarely found in Northern England.
What’s being done: The loss of floodplain habitat is one of the biggest causes of decline in this species and work is being undertaken by conservationists to restore this habitat. Hybridisation is also common with other non-native species. Breeding programmes are underway to help support planting trees programmes.
More information:
Black poplar
, ArkiveBlack poplar
, British Trees
