Black Poplar

Also known as European Black Poplar, Water Poplar

Black poplars dominate low-lying riverbanks and floodplains with their massive trunks, deeply fissured dark bark, and arching heavy branches. In early spring before the foliage unfolds, crimson male catkins and green female flowers bloom on separate trees, producing vast drifts of windblown seed fluff by early summer. Though historically planted to stabilize riverbanks and supply tough timber, wild genetically pure stands have dwindled due to river engineering and widespread hybridization.