Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Populus nigra

Populus nigra

8.1
A large tree from Europe and western Asia that loses its leaves and has dark bark with triangular leaves
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : álamo negro
  • The Populus nigra is often planted along rivers, providing shade and helping to prevent soil erosion.

Examples

  • The distinctive leaves of Populus nigra make it easy to identify among other poplars.

  • The Populus nigra is often planted along rivers to prevent soil erosion.

  • Conservationists are working to protect the endangered Populus nigra in many parts of Europe.

  • The Populus nigra thrives in wet soil.

  • Many parks in Europe feature the Populus nigra tree.

  • Conservationists are working to protect the endangered Populus nigra, a vital species in many ecosystems across Europe.

  • Many parks in Europe feature the striking Populus nigra, known for its tall stature and triangular leaves.

Synonyms

black poplar
vsPopulus nigra
  • UK
6.3

A large tree found in Europe with dark wood and deep furrows in its bark

is the formal scientific name used for the same species

How Big

big tree
  • Specialized
3 3.5
Populus nigra
  • Specialized
8.1
medium-sized
31 2.4
treelet
6.8
sapling
16 2.7

Surface Forms

Populus nigra singular
Populus nigras plural

Morphology

Populus + nigra

This is a descriptive Latin binomial: Populus (a poplar tree) + nigra (Latin for 'black'), so the combined meaning 'black poplar' is directly and transparently derived from the constituents. Although 'nigra' may not appear in general English learners' dictionaries, if a learner knows both constituent meanings the species name is immediately understandable.

Etymology

Populus nigra comes from Latin: Populus means 'poplar' and nigra means 'black'. The tree often has dark bark and a dark look by rivers, so people named it the 'black poplar', which is why the name points to this particular tree today.