Black Poplar
Populus nigra (POP-yoo-lus NY-gruh)
Black Poplar, also known as Lombardy Poplar, has many landscape problems. While it is fast-growing and has a distinctively narrow form, it is short-lived and therefore best planted as a windbreak away from most landscapes. It is native to Europe, northwestern Africa, and western Asia. It sports dark gray bark on mature trees, is deeply furrowed, and provides winter interest. Female trees have cottony seeds that lead to frequent clean-ups. However, the male trees cause issues of its own with the abundance of pollen. These trees are noted for their large amount of falling leaves and twigs, again leading to clean up. Its shallow roots send off somewhat invasive suckers as well as causing issues with grass cutting, sidewalks lifting, and invading into other areas of your landscape. Native trees are listed to the left along with some cultivars for that narrow columnar look. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Poplars are not good landscape trees because they are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases as well as other cultural problems. Insect problems include aphids, borers, caterpillars, and scale. Cankers are problematic especially in hot and humid climates. Cytospora canker attacks the upper branches of the tree and trunk and is often fatal. Dieback, leaf spots, rusts, and powdery mildew are other diseases problems. Weak wood is easily damaged by wind and shallow roots can lift sidewalks, make lawn mowing difficult, and damage drainage systems. Frequent clean up is required from the endless amount of falling leaves and twigs. To quote Michael Dirr from his popular book Manual of Woody Landscape Plants , "if anyone plants poplars they deserve the disasters which automatically ensue."
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 47 attributes.