Black Poplar

Black Poplars get their name from their bark, which appears black from a distance because it has deep gashes and knobbles.

Traditionally Black Poplars have been pollarded to provide firewood and so many of the trees have lots of branches coming out of the truck just above head height.

In early spring male trees have bright red catkins and females have pale green catkins that are followed by fluffy seeds. Black poplar leaves are a bright green in spring and turn gold in the autumn. They can be up to 10cm long and are rounded with a pointed tip.

Black Poplars are one Britain's rarest native trees and they are found in just a few places in the country.

Half of the British population is found in Buckinghamshire, mostly in the Vale of Aylesbury.