Populus nigra: Characteristics, uses and care of the black poplar
black people, commonly known as black poplar o black poplar, is an emblematic and robust tree belonging to the family Salicaceae. It stands out for its elegant appearance, its many ornamental and ecological uses, and its remarkable medicinal properties. Found in temperate and cold zones of Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, this tree is highly valued in gardening, environmental restoration, and traditional herbal medicine.
Botanical description and morphology
El black people It is a deciduous tree that can reach heights of between 20 and 30 meters and even exceed them in favorable conditions. Its root system It is composed of a deep main axis and a network of superficial, spreading roots. The trunk is generally straight and covered with a grayish bark that cracks longitudinally with age, forming characteristic blackish ribs.
Su cup It is broad, with a somewhat columnar tendency in youth and wider as it ages. leaves They are triangular or rhombic, bright green on both sides, with serrated edges and long, laterally flattened petioles. These petioles, between 2 and 6 centimeters long, may have slight hairiness when they sprout, which later disappears and becomes glabrous.
La flowering It occurs in late winter and early spring. black people It is a dioecious tree, that is, there are male and female specimens. flowers, not very decorative, appear before the leaves and are grouped in hanging catkins. fruits They are hairy capsules containing seeds surrounded by abundant white fluff, which allows their anemophilous dispersal (by the wind).
Distribution, habitat and ecology
El black poplar It is native to Europe, from southern and central Asia to western and northern Africa. It is common in the Iberian Peninsula, both in its natural and wild state, and is frequently found on riverbanks, gallery forests, wetlands, and meadows where water is constantly renewed. For proper management in urban areas, you may be interested in consulting the Keys to growing poplar in urban spaces.
This species prefers deep, moist soils rich in organic matter, although it is highly adaptable and can grow in clay and sandy soils, as long as they are not saline. It tolerates seasonal flooding well and requires plenty of light, developing best in full sun or semi-shade. Its growth is especially vigorous when water is readily available, although its development is slower in poor soils.
Populus nigra care in gardening
- Exhibition: It requires full sun to grow in optimal conditions, although it can tolerate some semi-shade.
- Ground: It prefers deep, cool, well-drained soils, although it tolerates clayey or sandy soils. It does not tolerate saline soils.
- Irrigation: It requires regular watering to keep the substrate moist, especially during growth periods. It is sensitive to drought.
- Subscriber: It is recommended to enrich the soil with organic compost in spring or autumn to promote root and leaf development.
- Pruning: It tolerates light pruning well to remove dry or misaligned branches, strengthen growth, and maintain its shape. Pruning too heavily is not recommended, as it could weaken the plant.
- Temperature: It exhibits excellent cold resistance, tolerating even extremely low temperatures. It adapts to both temperate and Mediterranean climates and withstands strong winds if well established.
When planting black people Near buildings, the powerful and superficial root system must be taken into account, which can damage pavements and structures if sufficient distance is not left.
Propagation and multiplication
Black poplar propagation can be done in several ways:
- By seeds: They are sown in spring in moist, well-aerated soil. Fresh seeds are more viable.
- By lignified cuttings: Taken from dormant branches, traditionally during the winter, these cuttings root very easily.
- By separating suckers: Poplars produce basal shoots (suckers) that can be separated and transplanted.
In nurseries and environmental restoration, cuttings are the preferred method due to their high take rate. You can learn more about the different types of poplars.
Main uses of Populus nigra
- Restoration and protection of riverbanks: Thanks to its rapid growth and strong roots, it is used to secure soils near waterways and prevent erosion.
- Ornamental purpose: It is planted in parks, along roadsides, public and private gardens, and as a shade tree.
- Wood production: Its light, porous wood is used in light carpentry, for the manufacture of boards, paper pulp and palettes, although it is not suitable for supporting heavy loads.
- Livestock fodder: The leaves have traditionally been used as a fodder resource during the winter.
- Medical uses: Both the bark and the buds and leaves have applications in phytotherapy.
- Charcoal: The bark can be used to make charcoal, which is used in medicine as an adsorbent.
- Biodiversity: The cottony seeds serve as nesting material for birds such as the tit bird, and are essential in riparian ecosystems.
Medicinal properties of black poplar
Black poplar has been present in folk medicine since ancient times. Its leaf buds They contain resins, a yellowish essence with a chamomile scent, tannins, malic acid, gallic acid, and salicin (a precursor to the acetylsalicylic acid in aspirin). These substances give them disinfectant, diuretic, expectorant, balsamic, sudorific, and astringent properties.
- Respiratory conditions: The use of extracts and decoctions of buds and leaves is indicated to relieve colds, coughs and other respiratory tract ailments.
- Diuretic and purifying: It promotes the elimination of uric acid and is used in the treatment of mild urinary problems and kidney stones.
- External use: The resins of the buds, macerated with butter and other plants, are part of the traditional popular ointment, effective in soothing pain, especially hemorrhoids, wounds or ulcers.
- Astringent and tonic properties: Due to its richness in tannins, the bark and leaves have been used as general tonics in traditional medicine.
- Charcoal: The charred bark is used as an adsorbent for digestive disorders such as diarrhea.
Forms of administration
- Infusion: They are prepared with 4 tablespoons of dried egg yolks per liter of water and are taken in small doses throughout the day.
- Fluid extract: Available in some pharmacies, it is usually recommended in doses of 30 to 40 drops, several times a day.
- Tinctures, syrups and ointments: Business presentations available for internal or topical use.
La harvesting the buds It should be done in spring, when the trees are closed and covered with sticky scales. It is recommended to collect them from fallen or felled trees to respect the ecosystem.
Pests, diseases and common problems
- Fungi: Excess moisture in the roots can promote the growth of pathogenic fungi, especially in poorly drained soils. Poplar canker is one of the most significant diseases and can cause lesions on the trunk and branches.
- Insects: It can be attacked by defoliating caterpillars that devour the leaves, and other wood-eating insects.
- Structural damage: Shallow roots can lift sidewalks or damage foundations if planted too close to buildings.
Proper irrigation and pruning maintenance, as well as periodic phytosanitary controls, help prevent the appearance of major problems.
Varieties and subspecies
- Populus nigra subsp. nigra: Present in central and eastern Europe, with glabrous leaves and shoots, greyish-brown and wrinkled bark.
- Populus nigra subsp. betulifolia: Native to northwestern Europe, with pubescent leaves and stems and wrinkled bark.
- Populus nigra subsp. caudina: Typical of the Mediterranean region and southwest Asia.
- Populus nigra var. italica (Lombard poplar): Widely cultivated for its fastigiate growth and narrow crown. In some cases, such as in Mediterranean regions, there are evergreen clones that do not lose all of their leaves in winter.
- Populus nigra var. afghanica: Cultivar native to southwest Asia, with whitish bark and rapid growth.
There are also numerous clones and cultivars selected for their appearance, resistance, or adaptation to different environmental conditions, many of which are used in landscape restoration and as windbreaks.
Ecological importance and environmental restoration
El black people It is a key piece in the riparian ecosystemsIt forms gallery forests alongside willows, ash trees, and elms, providing shelter and food for a variety of fauna, especially birds and small mammals. Its rapid growth and high competition for light make it ideal for restoring degraded areas, controlling soil erosion, and maintaining river water quality.
- Riverbank restoration: It is used in ecological engineering projects to stabilize slopes and prevent erosion after flooding.
- Biodiversity attraction: Poplar forests are home to species of birds, insects, and mammals, while the fluff from their seeds is used in nest building.
Tips for growing in the city and in gardens
In urban settings, the black poplar can provide shade and cooling to large parks, avenues, and extensive gardens. It is important to:
- Leave enough space from buildings and sidewalks due to its powerful roots.
- Choose healthy specimens from specialized nurseries.
- Avoid planting it near water or sewage pipes.
- Maintain a regular program of pruning and phytosanitary control.
Cultural aspects and curiosities
black people It has been a tree valued since ancient times for its presence in squares, avenues, and important communication routes. In the Iberian Peninsula, the "populus pollardus" (black poplars) of the ancient gallery forests reflect the agroforestry tradition: they were pollarded to obtain beams and firewood, a practice currently in decline.
Name Populus comes from Latin and refers to poplars, popular in public places in ancient Rome. The epithet nigra, "black", refers to the dark tone of its bark in mature specimens.
Responsible harvesting is essential for the conservation of the species and its environment. It is recommended to collect the buds Only use fallen trees or adult specimens intended for felling, avoiding damage to young specimens. Drying should be done quickly in well-ventilated areas protected from direct sunlight; once dried, the buds should be stored in airtight containers to preserve their properties.
Main differences with other poplar species
- Populus alba: With larger leaves and whitish underside, lighter bark and ascending branches.
- Populus tremula (quaking aspen): With a long, flexible petiole that makes the leaves tremble, with smooth bark and more rounded leaves.
- Populus deltoides: Similar to the black poplar but with larger leaves and a more pronounced delta shape.
Thanks to its versatility, resistance and ecological value, black people It is a key species in riparian restoration, landscape gardening, and traditional medicine. Its sustainable cultivation and management can contribute to both local biodiversity and human well-being.
