Thicket/ Black Poplar

COMMON NAME: Black Poplar

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Willow Poplar, Lombardy Poplar

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Populus nigra

FAMILY: Salicaceae

COMMUNITY: Thicket

STATUS: Escaped from cultivation, Native of Eurasia   

LIFESPAN: Woody Tree

HEIGHT: 40 to 50 feet

FLOWERING TIME: April to May

FRUITING TIME: May to June

DISTRIBUTION: Scattered statewide, most abundant in the Delaware Valley in New Jersey

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Tall tree with dull gray branches and dark, furrowed bark ~ Leaves hairy when young, finely toothed, lobed, alternate ~ Drooping catkins appear before the leaves, covered with hairs, distributed by wind ~ Flower small, subtended by small bract (commonly called a scale), flowers borne in catkins, dioecious (male and female flowers on separate plants)

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family (Salicaceae) is commonly called the Willow family. The poplars are fast-growing, short-lived, tall trees with bitter and astringent bark, light, weak wood, thick brittle pithy twigs and restless foliage.  Frequently the big, scaly, ore or less gummy buds give off a marked aroma.  Prominent leaf scars generally roughen the thick twigs. This species (nigra) is named for its black bark. The Black Poplar is a commonly used in horticulture.  The leaves of Black Poplar yield wool dye, the wood was formerly used for the interior of railroad cars and for cigar boxes.  The bud resin is said to cause hair growth.  Members of this family provide valuable wild animal food.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.