Black Poplar, Lombardy poplar

Populus nigra

Physical Characteristics

Populus nigra is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in June. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Central and southern Europe, including Britain, Mediterranean, temperate Asia to the Himalayas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Inner bark Edible Uses: Inner bark - dried, ground then added to flour and used for making bread etc[2]. A famine food, used when all else fails[177].

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Anodyne Antiinflammatory Astringent Diaphoretic Diuretic Expectorant Febrifuge Salve Stimulant Tonic Urinary Vulnerary The leaf buds are covered with a resinous sap that has a strong turpentine odour and a bitter taste[4, 213]. They also contain salicin, a glycoside that probably decomposes into salicylic acid (aspirin) in the body[213]. The buds are antiscorbutic, antiseptic, balsamic, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, salve, stimulant, tonic and vulnerary[4, 9, 21, 165, 238]. They are taken internally in the treatment of bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections, stomach and kidney disorders[4, 238]. They should not be prescribed to patients who are sensitive to aspirin[238]. Externally, the buds are used to treat colds, sinusitis, arthritis, rheumatism, muscular pain and dry skin conditions[238]. They can be put in hot water and used as an inhalant to relieve congested nasal passages[213]. The buds are harvested in the spring before they open and are dried for later use[238]. The stem bark is anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic and tonic[14, 46, 61, 178, 218]. The bark contains salicylates, from which the proprietary medicine aspirin is derived[238]. It is used internally in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, gout, lower back pains, urinary complaints, digestive and liver disorders, debility, anorexia, also to reduce fevers and relieve the pain of menstrual cramps[14, 46, 61, 178, 213, 238]. Externally, the bark is used to treat chilblains, haemorrhoids, infected wounds and sprains[238]. The bark is harvested from side branches or coppiced trees and dried for later use[238].

Known Hazards

None known