Lombardy poplar

scientific name: Populus nigra 'Italica'
Lombardy poplar branches
Photo: UPB-Projektgruppe Trier

A deciduous tree typical of ecosystems close to dense conurbations and an indicator for the characterisation of the immission situation during the vegetation period.

The Lombardy poplar was chosen as a deciduous tree typical of ecosystems close to dense urban settlements, which supply conditions of growth considerably different in many ecologic respects from nearly natural ecosystems.

It meets the exacting requirements of specimen reproducibility and the geographical comparability of findings, above all because of its consistent genetic pattern and its resistance to pollution.

The leaves are the target organ. Sampling takes place in the late summer before the leaves begin to change colour  from August to mid-September.

For more information about the specimen, the sampling and the processing of samples see the Guideline for Sampling and Sample Processing Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica').

Target organs/Matrices

  • Leaves
    Caused by their prominent reticular venation leaves of the poplar adsorbe a considerable amount of particles. Older leaves are investigated to cover the burdon of a whole growing season.

Sampling area

Analytes

Sampling period

1991 - 2022

Biometric parameters