Populus nigra (f)
A large, deciduous tree with a rounded habit and gnarled, furrowed bark, to 20m tall, with glossy, diamond-shaped green foliage and yellow-green catkins which appear before the leaves open in early spring and are pollinated by the wind. Tolerates exposed sites and waterlogged soils so a good choice for shelterbelts, woodlands and parks. A declining species and an endangered tree in the UK
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Salicaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Populus are deciduous trees, mostly very fast-growing and large, with male and female catkins on separate trees, opening before the leaves. Male catkins are the more ornamental, female ones can be a nuisance from the cottony, wind-blown seeds
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well drained or poorly drained soil. Has the potential to become a nuisance plant if not managed well
Propagation
Propagate from hardwood cuttings in winter or suckers in autumn or late winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Coastal
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 1; sucker removal in autumn or winter
Pests
May be susceptible to leaf beetles, sawflies and caterpillars
Diseases
May be susceptible to leaf spots, poplar bacterial canker, tree rusts and honey fungus
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