Black poplar (Not recommended) | The Morton Arboretum

Family (English) Willow
Family (botanic) Salicaceae
Tree or plant type Tree
Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native locale Non-native
Size range Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Mature height 70-90 feet
Mature width 10-15 feet
Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
Hardiness zones Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil, Wet soil
Tolerances Alkaline soil, Clay soil, Dry sites, Occasional flooding, Wet sites
Season of interest early fall
Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
Shape or form Upright
Growth rate Fast
Transplants well Yes
Planting considerations Weak wood and branch structure
Wildlife Cavity-nesting birds, Game birds, Large mammals, Small mammals
Has cultivars Yes

Native geographic location and habitat:

Black poplar is native to Europe and northern Africa.

Bark color and texture:

The gray bark is roughly ridged and furrowed.

Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture:

The simple, alternate leaves are nearly triangular in outline. The leaves are 2 to 4 inches long and wide. Leaf color is medium green, changing to yellow in fall.

Flower arrangement, shape, and size:

Male and female flowers are on separate trees (dioecious). They are not ornamentally important.

Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions:

Fruit occurs on female trees only and are small capsules in hanging clusters. The capsules open to release numerous seeds with fluff attached to them.