Black Poplar tree

The black poplar has been a traditional part of the West Somerset landscape, with mature or even ancient specimens found in local hedgerows, particularly on low lying, wetter ground.

Historically, only male trees were planted, as females were considered a nuisance due to the drifting white down they produce. The combined factors of a lack of parent trees in the wild, the very particular undisturbed, wetland conditions required for seedling growth, and the lack of replacement planting, have led to a rapid decline of the black poplar.

During the winter of 2008/09, students from West Somerset Community College helped The Crown Estate, under the guidance of Triscombe Nurseries, to take cuttings from a native black poplar.

Contributed by: James Handley