Populus nigra
Black Poplar
Pampuljen, Papull
Peuplier (noir)
Schwarzpappel

Size:
The black poplar is a mighty tree up to 30 m tall with a broad spreading crown but irregular branches. It roots the ground intensively and over a wide area.

Leaf: 
The shape of the leaves is variable - triangular to diamond-shaped and long-pointed, hairless.

Flower/fruit: 
Poplars are dioecious, so there are purely female and purely male trees.
Female catkins are yellow-green, male catkins red. The capsule fruits ripen at the end of May, beginning of June, then burst open and release densely hairy, downy seeds that are carried like bed feathers over long distances by the wind.

Wood: 
Poplars are the fastest-growing trees in Central Europe, which is why their wood is very light and soft so that it is of little use as timber. However, it is used for wooden shoes ("Klompen" in the Netherlands), wooden boxes, and pallets. It is also important in the production of paper and chipboard.

Trivia/Use: 
Original stands of black poplar are rare today. Hybrid forms or crossbreeds of different poplar species and varieties are often found in the landscape. The narrow columnar form "Italica" of the black poplar has also been planted frequently. The seeds can be used as poplar fluff for filling pillows and bedspreads or as insulating material. The fibres are light, keep warm and quickly wick away moisture.