The poplar tree – populous nigra – grows to a height of 30m and lives for about 200 years. It has distinctive triangular pointed leaves which provide food for many moth caterpillars, whilst its early spring catkins provide food for bees and other insects. Its white soft finely grained, shock resistant wood is traditionally used for matches, floor boards, carts and clogs, as well as nowadays for wine boxes, pallets and artificial limbs.
The poplar tree has strong roots which gives its symbolic association with resilience, rootedness and security.
‘I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’ Joshua 1:9
“I’m planting a tree to teach me to gather strength to me deepest roots.” Andrea Koehler Jones, The Wish Trees
The Green Tau 