Black Poplar (Populus nigra)

Common Names: Black Poplar, Lombardy Poplar, Mappa burl

Distribution: Europe, Western Asia, Northern Africa; planted as an ornamental in North America

Color/Appearance: Heartwood tends to be a light brown. Sapwood is a pale yellow to nearly white and isn’t clearly demarcated, tending to gradually blend into the heartwood. This species also yields a unique burl that is commonly sold as Mappa or Mapa.

Janka Hardness: 460 lb_f

Density: 2.00 lb/b.f.

Allergies/Toxicity: Besides the standard health risks associated with any type of wood dust, no further health reactions have been associated with Black Poplar.

Controlled species: CITES: no, IUCN: no

Common Uses: Utility lumber, furniture carcasses, boxes and crates, plywood and laminated construction lumber. Burls are used for drum shells, fine furniture, veneer and inlays.