BLACK POPLAR. 



199 



variety to windbreaks and is said to be more largely planted 

 in Europe for park decoration than any other American tree. 



Populus nigra. Black Poplar. 



Leaves broadly triangular, sometimes with tapering or 

 rounded base, smaller, less deeply toothed and shorter in 

 proportion to their width than those of the Cottonwood which 

 they resemble; leaf stalk flattened. The tree has generally a 

 pyramidal habit of growth and dark foliage. It is less lus- 

 trous than the Cottonwood and grows more slowly. This is 

 probably the tree known in some localities as Norway Poplar 

 or Norway Cottonwood. What has been sent out under the 

 name of Populus betulifolia is probably a form of this species. 

 Distribution. Europe and Asia. "It must now, however, 

 be regarded as naturalized in this country, having become 

 thoroughly established in many localities." 



Propagation. Almost entirely by cuttings in this country. 

 Properties of wood. Light, soft, compact, not strong. 

 Specific gravity of air-dried wood 0.45. 



Uses. The Black Poplar and its several 

 (1 5j| varieties are used for shade and ornamental 



trees where a quick effect is needed. The wood 

 is used for cheap packing cases, crates and 

 for light fuel. In pharmacy the buds are used 

 for preserving fats. 

 Varieties. 



Populus nigra italica. 

 Lombardy Poplar. 



A common tree with upright branches, 

 making a very straight columnar growth, and 

 on this account very conspicuous. Leaves 

 small and generally with a more tapering base 

 than the species. This is one of the charac- 

 teristic trees of Italy. Its common name is de- 

 rived from Lombardy, one of the provinces of Italy. The 

 treeis supposed to be a native of Persia and Asia Minor. 

 Its peculiar form gives the landscape a crude look where it is 

 much used. Single specimens, however, may be occasionally 

 planted to advantage to give variety to shelter belts. It is 



Figure 4,2. 

 Lombar- 

 dy Poplar 



