J12: Lombardy poplar: Populus nigra italica

Recorded in Italy in the 17th century and apparently introduced to the UK in 1758 it is a variety of our rare native Black Poplar. It has invasive roots and can disrupt drainage systems and is particularly unstable. The true form is the male: poplars have different sexes on different trees. Ours was the champion until it was lopped in  2015(?) for fear it would blow down and it  fell in 2021. Look for the wonderful buttresses at the base.