Populus nigra

Black poplar is in the willow or Salicaceae family and is native to Europe, southwest and central Asia and northwest Africa. It is best-known for the hybrid Lombardy poplar.

Lombardy poplar was selected in Lombardy, northern Italy in the 17th century, and has been transplanted by cuttings throughout much of Europe and North America. Coming from the Mediterranean region, it is adapted to hot, dry summers and grows poorly in humid conditions, being short-lived due to fungal diseases.

The poplar has been used extensively for windbreaks in North America, although its very invasive roots are known to plug up drainage systems when the tree is planted in residential areas.

• Tree growth is fastigiate (having the branches more or less parallel to the main stem), with a very narrow crown.
• Leaves are alternate, simple, deltoid, finely-serrate, 5–10 cm long, flattened petioles, bright green throughout the growing season, turning yellow in fall.
• Species is a male clone. Male flowers with red anthers bloom in catkins (5–7 cm long) in early spring before the new leaves emerge. Being male, no fruit is produced.
• Twigs are moderately stout, swollen at leaf scars; it has large , sticky reddish brown buds.