Poplar - Black (Populus nigra betulifolia)

Our range of Black Poplar trees (Populus nigra betulifolia)

We have Black Poplar bare root trees in several sizes.  The 1+0 specification are seedlings (often called whips) which were grown from cuttings taken from mother plants in our stock beds, planted out in the spring and sold during the following November to April months ie they are one year old from when the cuttings were taken (though the mother plants are mature) and we have them in several heights.

We also have cell grown Black Poplar which are grown by one of the UK's best specialist growers and these are ideal for woodland creation or amenity planting but can also be used for domestic planting and these plants are available all year round.

You can read more about the specifications we offer on the tab just below the pricing table to the right of this product description.

Black Poplar Summary

Once common but now a relatively rare tree in the landscape (the most endangered native tree in Britain) which is a shame because Black Poplars are statuesque, long living trees with attractive timber (almost white) and good wildlife value.   They are important hosts for a multitude of insects which in turn attract a range of birds including flycatchers and warblers as well as woodpeckers.

It is often hybridised with other poplar species and hybrids, making pure black poplars the rarity that they are (possibly only 7000 mature trees in the UK with possibly only 600 female trees from which cutting material can be taken (these trees are grown from cuttings rather than seed) but with the increase in tree planting on flood plains, we are seeing increased demand for these lovely and useful trees. They have a fuller silhouettte than the fast growing American Poplar that we have become accustomed to in our landscape.

Soil and Situation

Black Poplars are often found in boggy soils, near ditches and is still farily commonly found in Cheshire, Shropshire, Somerset, Cambridgeshire and East Anglia.  It is very rare elsewhere in the UK, but found throughout mainland Europe, into north Africa, and as far east as China.  These trees cannot tolerate dry conditions.

Leaves, flowers and fruit

Black Poplar is easily identified by a light scent of balsam on the leaves which are shiny, heart shaped with elongated tips and in spring somewhat hairy (the hairs are shed later in the summer).  Catkins (male and female on the same tree) are found - male are red and female are yellow/green and are wind pollinated and develop into very fluffy clusters of seeds.   They are leafy trees with heavy, outward-arching main branches.

Eventual height and growth rate

Black Poplar trees will grow to about 30m so are considered a large tree.

This section gives definitions on the specifications of plants that we sell.  We are specialists in field grown (or bare root) plants which are grown in two ways.  The majority are grown from seed, some are ready within one growing season (seedlings or 1+0's) and some species require two growing seasons (1u1's).  In addition to growing from seed we also grow from small plants or cuttings (transplants) which are much more widely spaced (taking more land, more irrigation water, fertilisers and labour).  There are only a handful of bare root wholesale nurseries in the UK and of those even fewer grow transplants but Ray Jenkins has many years' experience of transplanting so we grow these in large volumes.  Ray has written this blog about the benefits of bare root plants and how they are grown and another blog which gives further detail on bare root specifications.

The detailed specifications are shown below.  If you are in doubt about what specification to use please email us on enquiries@rjtreesandhedging.co.uk with a description of the project (and photos if appropriate) and we will advise you.

1+0 - field grown in one season from seed, known as a seedling (sometimes called a whip), generally a slender single stem plant.   These are the cheapest specification and are particularly suitable for planting where weed competition will be less intense, soil is shallow or on exposed windy sites.  Gives a high root to shoot ratio and minimal plant "check".

2+0 - a 2 year seedling, field grown from seed in the same seed bed in two growing seasons where the species cannot be grown to a saleable plant from seed in one season

1U1 - 2 year old plant called an undercut, field grown for two seasons in the same seed bed and undercut by machine (a sharp blade cutting the roots under the soil level) after the first year to develop the root structure. We do this with several species which take 2 years to develop (eg oak, beech, hornbeam)

1+1 - 2 year old plant (transplant) grown from seed in the first year and then transplanted into a different area of the field and spaced out for the second growing season - a robust plant with a larger and more robust root system than seedling or undercut plant which will enable it to better withstand drought and weed competition. Often the best choice and the staple norm for farm hedging and this specification is a requirement of the Countryside Stewardship Grant

1+2- a 3 year old plant, two years field growing in the seedbed and then transplanted (and spaced out) for a further two growing seasons giving a tall, stocky, bushy plant

2+1- a 3 year old plant, two years field growing in the seedbed and then transplanted (and spaced out) for a further growing season, giving a strong bushy plant

3+1 - as above but field grown for a further growing season for more height and a very bushy plant

1+3- 4 year old, one year field growing in the seed beds and then transplanted (and spaced out) for three years, giving a very strong, bushy plant

2+2- 4 year old, two years field growing in the seed beds and then transplanted (and spaced out) for a further two years - a very mature plant suited to certain species like beech and hornbeam where we can offer almost instant hedging

and some that are a bit different.....

P9 - a plant grown in a greenhouse or polytunnel in a 9cm pot (for holly which germinates poorly in the field)

Cell grown - a plant grown in small deep cells (like a small yogurt pot) and then lifted out of those for transportation. Commonly used in forestry and large hedging projects.  Very high quality plants with excellent success rate.  See our blog on the benefits of cell grown plants.

C+1 or C+2 - a 3 or 4 year old plant initally started as hardwood cuttings grown on for a year as cell grown plants and then lined out in fields to grow on for a further 1 or 2 years (a technique used for Cherry Laurel)

0/1 - a hardwood cutting, then field grown for one season (for example for white willow, black poplar and osier)