Black Poplar

A rare tree in Ireland, predominantly found in the midlands near floodplains, ditches and watercourses. It has shiny, green heart-shaped leaves with long tips. Fine hairs cover the young leaves. The bark is deeply fissured and grey brown in colour.
Black poplar is dioecious, with male and female flowers found on different trees and are wind pollinated, but can also spread clonally. Once fertilised, female catkins develop into fluffy cotton-like seeds, which fall in late summer. It needs damp soil, does not tolerate shade and needs space to grow.
It's status as a true native tree is unresolved. 
The Black Poplars in the Lough Allen area are of European importance, as they are genetically different to other trees in Ireland and the UK and are reproducing successfully. 

Site: Tolerates inland exposure
Soil: Damp 
Position: Full sun
Hardiness: Fully hardy,
Height: 100ft+ (30m) Spread: 65ft (20m)