Black poplar  (Populus nigra)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Range

The native subspecies of black poplar, Populus nigra betnifolia, is locally frequent in parts of lowland England and Wales, rarer in the north of England and Scotland, and rare in Ireland (6) (7), and also occurs in western Europe. At present the British population numbers just 2000 to 3000 trees (3). Elsewhere, black poplar is widely distributed but increasingly scarce throughout much of Europe reaching into central Asia and North Africa. It is generally absent from the far north of Europe (8).

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Habitat

Typically inhabits lowland floodplains (8) in river valleys (4) and needs open areas to allow germination (8). It also occurs in hedges and roadsides, and by ponds. Furthermore, it is sometimes planted in urban areas (6).

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