1. Native / Non-native Status
Non-native hybrid. A cross between European black poplar (Populus nigra) and American eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides). Introduced to Britain in the 18th–19th century, widely planted as a fast-growing timber and shelterbelt tree.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Deciduous – leaves fall in autumn.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Broadly triangular to diamond-shaped (8–12 cm), glossy green with finely toothed margins. Turn yellow in autumn. Arranged alternately on twigs.
Bark: Grey-brown, smooth in young trees, becoming deeply fissured and ridged with age.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Produces catkins in spring before leaves. Male catkins are red, female green. Female trees produce masses of fluffy seeds in early summer (though many planted trees are male clones).
Overall shape: A tall, vigorous tree with a broad, spreading crown and often a leaning or irregular trunk.
4. Typical Size
12–17 m tall; spread 12–20 m. Very fast growing, but relatively short-lived (60–100 years).
5. Habitat & Range
Widely planted across the UK in farmland shelterbelts, riversides, and amenity landscapes. Tolerates wet soils, floodplains, and compacted ground. Now more common in Britain than native black poplar.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Triangular leaves, larger and broader than those of native black poplar.
Strongly upright growth when young; often leaning or irregular with age.
Much more common than true native black poplar (Populus nigra subsp. betulifolia).
Often planted in rows or blocks for shelter.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: Catkins appear before leaves.
Summer: Dense green canopy; fluffy seed dispersal from female trees.
Autumn: Leaves turn yellow before falling.
Winter: Bare crown with grey ridged bark exposed.
8. Human Uses
Widely planted for timber (pulp, pallets, matchwood, and chipboard).
Used in shelterbelts, roadside planting, and as a fast-growing screening tree.
Provides quick cover in landscaping projects.
9. Wildlife Value
Catkins provide pollen for early insects.
Leaves support some moth caterpillars, though less than native poplars.
Dense crown offers cover and nesting for birds.
Native black poplar supports more specialist wildlife.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
Hybrid black poplar has largely replaced native black poplar in lowland Britain, making the true native species very rare.
Some local authorities still plant male clones widely to avoid the nuisance of drifting seed fluff from females.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Prefers moist, fertile soils; tolerates floodplain conditions but dislikes very dry chalky ground.
Light: Grows best in full sun.
Watering: Water regularly for first 2–3 years; tolerates occasional waterlogging once mature.
Spacing: Allow 10–15 m between trees; closer (5–8 m) for shelterbelts.
Aftercare: Mulch to retain moisture. Protect young trees from browsing. Monitor for brittle branch drop in older specimens.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Works in parks, large open spaces, and riversides, but unsuitable for streets due to size, brittle branches, and invasive roots.
Garden: Only suitable for very large gardens, estates, or farmland boundaries. Too large and vigorous for small plots.