New spring foliage on downy black poplar (Populus nigra var. betulifolia), mid April. Also known as Manchester poplar. "Native to northern and central Europe. Planted by roads, and in parks and gardens. Height to about 30m (100ft). Flowers open in March, males (near right) red, about 5cm (2in) long, females greenish about the same length. Fruiting catkins are about 7.5cm (3in) long and shed white cottony seeds in June. Leaves have forward-pointing teeth and flattened stems. Young shoots, leaf stalks, main veins and flower stalks are downy but on the true Black Poplar they are hairless. Bark is dark brown, ridged and characteristically has thick bosses all over it." Roger's Trees and Shrubs http://www.rogerstreesandshrubs.com/gallery/DisplayBlock~bid~8304~gid~~source~gallerydefault.asp