Black Poplar Trees

The black poplar trees, indigenous to the wetlands of northwestern Europe, boast a remarkable lifespan of up to two centuries. Each summer, they undergo wind-assisted pollination, where fertilized male and female catkins, resembling seed pods, release a fluffy seed-wool that blankets the surrounding landscape, evoking a snow-like effect. This ecological wonder is the food plant for the caterpillars of many moths, including the hornet, wood leopard, poplar hawk and figure of eight. The catkins provide an early source of pollen and nectar for bees and other insects, and the seeds are eaten by birds.

When hiking in New Mexico, I loved hearing the melodic rustling of their leaves sounding almost like water. It always gave me a sense of security hearing and seeing them as a sign of safety knowing there would be a riverbed to drink from nearby.