Poplar (Black)

Common Name

Black Poplar

Latin Name

Populus nigra var. betulifolia

Status

Re-Introduced - formerly native

Distribution

Very rare - a few individual specimens.

Habitats

River flood plains, hedgerows, carr.

Requirements

Deeper and heavier damp neutral or alkaline soils. Alluvial soils.

Recommendations

A large fast growing tree on the limit of its natural range in County Durham. There may be merit in reintroducing it to areas from which it may have disappeared such as the carrs and flats of the Tees Lowlands and on lowland river floodplains elsewhere.

Origins/Provenance

An ancient introduction. All existing plants are male and have been planted. Use plants of local provenance where available. There may be merit in using material from FC seed zones 302 and 401 to widen the genetic base.