European Aspen
(Populus tremula)
European Aspen (Populus tremula)
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Šarūnas Šimkus
CC BY-SA 3.0
Image By:
Šarūnas Šimkus
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Šarūnas Šimkus | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ | Uploader: Hugo.arg | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: PopulusTremula001.JPG | Notes: Photograph of Portulaca molokiniensis. Cultivated National Tropical Botanical Garden. |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Populus tremula, commonly known as European Aspen, is a deciduous tree native to a variety of habitats including cool temperate regions, boreal forests, and mountainous areas across Europe, Asia, and the Caucasus. It can grow to a height of 40 meters (130 ft) and a width of 10 meters (33 ft), with a trunk diameter exceeding 1 meter (3 ft 3 in). The bark is pale and smooth in young trees, becoming dark and fissured with age. European Aspen is notable for its trembling leaves, which flutter in the slightest breeze due to flattened leaf stalks. The flowers are wind-pollinated catkins appearing in early spring, with separate male and female trees. The tree is known for its striking yellow to golden fall foliage.
European Aspen is valued for its aesthetic qualities and adaptability to various soil types, though it prefers moist, well-drained soils. It is often used in parks and large gardens for its visual interest and as a windbreak. The fastigiate cultivar ‘Erecta’ is particularly noted for its upright growth habit and vibrant autumn colors, earning the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. While it thrives in full sun, it can also tolerate partial shade. This species is very hardy, enduring long, cold winters and short summers. However, it can be susceptible to diseases such as leaf and shoot blight and canker. Additionally, its root system may be aggressive, potentially causing problems with nearby structures or pavement. Gardeners should be aware of its potential invasiveness outside its native range and consult local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
European Aspen is valued for its aesthetic qualities and adaptability to various soil types, though it prefers moist, well-drained soils. It is often used in parks and large gardens for its visual interest and as a windbreak. The fastigiate cultivar ‘Erecta’ is particularly noted for its upright growth habit and vibrant autumn colors, earning the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. While it thrives in full sun, it can also tolerate partial shade. This species is very hardy, enduring long, cold winters and short summers. However, it can be susceptible to diseases such as leaf and shoot blight and canker. Additionally, its root system may be aggressive, potentially causing problems with nearby structures or pavement. Gardeners should be aware of its potential invasiveness outside its native range and consult local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 30-70 feet
- Width: 10-30 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Fire Resistant, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Cool temperate regions, boreal forests, and mountainous areas across Europe, Asia, and the Caucasus
Other Names
Common Names: Common Aspen, Eurasian Aspen, Aspen, Quaking Aspen, Bævreasp, Aspe, Zitter-Pappel, Espe, Metsähaapa, Peuplier Tremble
Scientific Names: , Populus tremula, Populus villosa, Populus monticola, Populus australis, Populus jesoensis, Populus tremula var. villosa, Populus tremula f. sallensis, Populus tremula f. parvifolia, Populus tremula var. australis
GBIF Accepted Name: Populus tremula L.