[2] Black poplars are medium- to large-sized deciduous trees, reaching 20–30 m, and rarely 40 m tall.

[4] Like most other pioneer species, the tree is characterized by rapid growth and is able to colonize open areas quickly.

[10] Several cultivars have also been selected, these being propagated readily by cuttings: Populus nigra 'Italica' has won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

[14] Black poplar has a large distribution area throughout Europe and is also found in northern Africa and central and west Asia.

The distribution area extends from the Mediterranean in the south to around 64° latitude in the north and from the British Isles in the west to Kazakhstan and China in the east.