Black poplar
Populus nigra
EmergentSecondary
Fast biomass
A fast-growing accelerator that throws up quick shade and endless coppice mulch while its deep roots mine water and minerals. A short-lived workhorse, not a long-term keeper — and thirsty roots can wreck nearby founda…
Tolerances & traits
- Strata
- Emergent
- Lifecycle
- Secondary
- Soil preference
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH range
- 5.5 – 8
- Min. temperature
- -28°C
- Min. rainfall
- 600 mm/year
- Wind tolerance
- Medium
- Frost tolerance
- High
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Irrigation needed
- High
How to manage it
Coppice or pollard every 1-2 years for mulch; thirsty roots pull water and nutrients upward, benefiting neighbours in dry lines.
Watch out for
English name corrected from 'Common poplar' to Black poplar. Invasive, water-seeking roots can damage foundations, pipes and pavements if planted near structures; short-lived unless cyclically coppiced; male clones shed allergenic pollen.
Design your line to see how your land fits Black poplar.
Start designing your line →Related species