A Poplar Embracing a Scholar Tree

A Poplar Embracing a Scholar Tree

In Huangjiazhen Village, Baodian Town, Ningjin County, there stands a rare and peculiar tree — a poplar embracing a scholar tree. A tall poplar tree has a scholar tree growing from inside its trunk, with the two trees sharing a single body and intertwined branches and leaves, forming a spectacular sight.

It is said that in 1404 (the second year of the Yongle reign in the Ming Dynasty), when the Huang family migrated from Pei County, Xuzhou, Jiangsu to settle here, they planted this poplar tree. The poplar is over 600 years old, and the scholar tree is also more than 70 years old. Currently, the combined height of the "Poplar Embracing a Scholar Tree" is 20.8 meters, with a crown diameter of 17 meters; the poplar trunk reaches 3.5 meters in height, with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 1.18 meters and a circumference of 3.7 meters. The scholar tree stands 14.15 meters tall, with a DBH of 0.35 meters and a circumference of 1.1 meters. The southern branches of the poplar have dried up, the western trunk is decayed, but the northern branches remain lush. The scholar tree is in its prime, with branches and leaves thriving. Its main root has grown from inside the poplar’s trunk, 1.5 meters above the ground, and has taken root underground.

This peculiar natural phenomenon of a poplar embracing a scholar tree formed naturally. Over 70 years ago, soil accumulated in a rotten hollow on the western side of the poplar trunk. Birds such as magpies and crows, seeking to hide winter food, carried and buried scholar tree seeds there. When spring arrived and flowers bloomed, the scholar tree seeds took root and sprouted, breaking through the soil. Villagers, seeing a scholar tree grow from the poplar, considered it an auspicious sign and took special care of the tree. Over time, it has become the remarkable sight we see today. In the peak of summer, the lush palmate leaves of the poplar cradle clusters of feathery scholar tree leaves, creating a dense canopy that shades the ground. People gather under the tree to enjoy the cool and chat, feeling completely at ease. When the scholar tree is in full bloom, clusters of white flowers dot the green foliage. With a gentle breeze, a fragrant aroma fills the air, attracting bees and butterflies, while birds sing overhead, offering a uniquely delightful experience.

Source: Historical Records Office of Ningjin County