Tree · Salicaceae family
black poplar
Populus nigra
In short a 10-second read
Black poplar (tree) grows to 12–30 m tall and 15–20 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −34 °C.
× spread 15–20 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −34 °C.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: loamy, sandy, clay
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 20–50 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
No pruning needed — just remove dead or damaged parts (August–September).
Planting
container plant: October–April; bare-root: October–March; root-balled: October–March
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −34 °C
- Deciduous — bare in winter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
Does black poplar tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does black poplar need?
At maturity 15–20 m wide and 12–30 m tall; recommended spacing 1500 cm.
Does black poplar survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 17 October 2026.
Show sources (15)
- GBIF — Populus nigra
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
- Van den Berk
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (species/match)
- Wikipedia (EN)
- RHS - Watering
- RHS - Populus nigra
- RHS - Shrubs and trees: light pruning
- RHS - Bleeding from pruning cuts
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- RHS - How to grow trees
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: Slovakia, Czechia, Germany
Similar plants
