Forms a narrow columnar crown that later broadens out especially on the underside. Has a straight trunk and steeply ascending branches. The trunk has many tubercles. The green leaves are diamond-shaped to broad triangular. The emerge brownish-green, are an even colour of green in the summer and yellowish-green in the autumn. The tree produces flowers in the form of male catkins. 'Italica' is suitable for wind breaks, parks and public gardens and as a solitary in urban areas. It has many problems with broken branches and crown and is thus unsuitable as an avenue and street tree. The tree is little sensitive to bacterial canker, moderately sensitive to rust and very sensitive to leaf spot disease. Prefers nutritious moist soils and is somewhat sensitive to dry conditions. 'Italica' resists (sea) wind but is sensitive to late winter frost. Despite the fact that it is a relatively narrow tree, Populus nigra 'Italica' requires plenty of room, both above and below ground. The tree is extensively used in windbreaks.