Populus Nigra Betulifolia - Native Black Poplar

Populus nigra betulifolia, the Native Black Poplar, is Britain’s rarest native tree and one of the country’s most ecologically important species. Once abundant on flood plains and river valleys, its numbers have drastically declined due to habitat loss and hybridisation. Immediate conservation planting is essential to protect this majestic tree and preserve its unique genetic heritage.

A large, fast-growing broad-headed tree, the Black Poplar provides striking seasonal interest. Its glossy diamond-shaped leaves emerge bronze in spring, turning a rich dark green in summer before fading to yellow in autumn. The deeply fissured dark brown bark and heavily burred trunk add to its character, making it a striking specimen for parks, woodlands, and riverside landscapes. Dioecious in nature, male and female flowers grow on separate trees, with catkins appearing in mid-spring and female trees producing fluffy seedheads in summer.

The Native Black Poplar thrives in deep, rich soils, especially in damp river valleys, and is tolerant of chalky soils. Full sun or partial shade is ideal. This tree supports a wide range of wildlife, particularly over 20 species of moths including the Poplar Hawk Moth and the Bordered Beauty, and is increasingly valued for flood management and ecological restoration schemes.

This is the size and type we sell: Populus nigra betulifolia Native Black Poplar 40–60cm 0+1, ideal for conservation, specimen, and woodland planting.

Features & Benefits

Britain’s rarest native tree; ecologically important

Large, broad-headed deciduous tree with fast growth

Diamond-shaped leaves with seasonal colour change

Deeply fissured dark bark and burred trunk for character

Dioecious flowers, supporting natural propagation

Thrives in rich, damp soils and tolerates partial shade

Excellent for conservation, woodland, riverside, and parkland planting

Supports over 20 species of moths and other wildlife

Applications

Conservation planting and restoration projects

Woodland and riverside schemes

Specimen trees in parks and gardens

Ecological flood management initiatives

Wildlife-friendly planting schemes

Height & Spread (Approximate)

After 10 years: 10m height x 4m spread

After 20 years: 17m height x 9m spread

Growth assumes suitable site conditions.

Botanical Name | Populus nigra betulifolia

Common Name | Native Black Poplar

Plant Type | Deciduous tree

Growth Rate | Fast

Mature Height | 17m

Mature Spread | 9m

Soil Type | Deep rich, damp soils; tolerates chalk

Aspect | Full sun to partial shade

Hardiness | Fully hardy in the UK

Plant Size & Type | 40–60cm 0+1

Maintenance | Minimal; prune broken branches if required

Wildlife Value | Supports moths, birds, and ecological restoration