Black poplar

Profile

Family

Salicaceae

Habit

Tree

Height

30 m

Spread

16 m

Growth

very fast

Lifespan

200 years

First yield

after 8 years

Hardiness

zone 4–9

Shade tolerance

light shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam, Clay

Soil moisture

semi-dry – near water

pH

5 – 8

Synonyms

Schwarzpappel, Pappel

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: The inner bark is dried, ground, and processed into flour, which is used to make bread and other foods. It serves as emergency food when all other options are exhausted.

Medicinal: Bear's foot root was traditionally utilized by indigenous peoples of North America as a stimulant and laxative. It is recognized for its effectiveness as a hair tonic and for its internal use in treating non-cancerous swollen glands, especially mastitis. The root possesses analgesic, laxative, and stimulant qualities, believed to positively impact the liver, stomach, and spleen. It can aid in alleviating indigestion and liver issues when ingested. Externally, it is reputed to promote hair growth and is a common ingredient in various hair tonics and ointments. Additionally, a poultice made from the crushed root has been applied as a remedy for burns, inflammations, and cuts.

Other uses: An extract from the shoots can serve as a rooting hormone for various cuttings by soaking the chopped shoots in cold water. This rapidly growing tree is commonly employed to establish privacy or windbreaks efficiently. The 'Italica' variety, although frequently used for this purpose, is not the best choice due to its brittle branches and vulnerability to basal rot. In contrast, the 'Plantierensis' variety is much more suitable. The resin obtained from the buds is transformed into an ointment for household remedies. The bark is utilized as a cork substitute in floats and similar items. The wood, which is soft, lightweight, with a woolly texture, odorless, tasteless, flame-resistant, not highly durable, easy to manipulate, and very resistant to abrasion, is primarily used for less demanding purposes.

Growing

An adaptable plant that thrives in dense, cold, and damp soil, preferring deep, fertile, and well-drained neutral soil. It grows best in southern and eastern regions, with slower growth in moist, acidic, or dry soils. While fairly wind-resistant, it does not do well in exposed high-altitude areas or coastal regions, and cannot tolerate shade or root/branch competition. This fast-growing tree reaches maturity in approximately 100 years, after which its growth slows down. Some specific cultivars are chosen mainly for their decorative qualities. The buds and young leaves emit a pleasant balsamic scent as they unfurl in spring. These trees can withstand heavy pruning and were commonly pollarded in the past. They rarely produce runners. They serve as a vital food source for the caterpillars of various butterfly species. Poplars possess extensive and invasive root systems that may infiltrate drainage systems and cause harm. Particularly on clay soils, they should not be planted within 12 meters of buildings to prevent damage to the foundations caused by soil dehydration.

Propagation

Seeds should be planted in spring right after they mature. Poplar seeds have a short lifespan and should be planted within a few days of ripening. They are sown shallowly in trays in a cold environment and later transplanted into individual pots. If they grow sufficiently, they can be planted in their permanent spot in late summer; otherwise, they should be kept in the cold environment until the next spring. Poplar species often cross-pollinate, so collected seeds may not be true if other poplar species are present. Take 20-40 cm cuttings from mature wood of the current year in November/December, either in an outdoor bed or directly in the final location. This process is straightforward. In spring, propagate through root suckers, although this species rarely produces them.

Notable

Special features: +for all extreme locations +fast-growing windbreak - very wind-resistant, strong root sucker (wide runners + root formation); buds and bark are dried for later use; original form on the red list, as it has been displaced/crossed by hybrids; best wood of all poplars; 1,200 kWh/rm, 40,000 kWh/ha/a;

Origin & habitat

Central and southern Europe, Mediterranean region, temperate Asia up to the Himalayas.

Forest, bushes Located deep within the forest, away from the noise of urban life, is a special place known as Vorwald. Here, tall trees and abundant vegetation form a serene haven for visitors. The air carries the pleasant aroma of wildflowers, while the melodious chirping of birds echoes throughout. Strolling along the meandering paths, you might chance upon a delightful small house nestled amidst the trees. This is Hecken, a snug hideaway where you can unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings. Leave behind the commotion of the external world and submerge yourself in the peace of Vorwald and Hecken.

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