Quaking Aspen

(Populus tremuloides)

Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides)

Walter Siegmund (talk)

CC BY 2.5

Image By: Walter Siegmund (talk)

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Walter Siegmund (talk) | License Type: CC BY 2.5 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5 | Uploader: Wsiegmund | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Populus_tremuloides_8163.jpg | Notes: Photograph of Portulaca molokiniensis. Cultivated National Tropical Botanical Garden. |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Populus tremuloides, commonly known as Quaking Aspen, is a deciduous tree native to a variety of habitats including cool, high elevation forests, as well as moist but well-drained sandy or gravelly soils along rivers and mountain slopes in the Intermountain and Northern USA, Canada, Alaska, and extending to the mountains of Mexico. It is a clonal species, often forming large groves derived from a single seedling. Quaking Aspen typically reaches 15–18 meters (50–60 ft) in height at maturity, with a slender trunk up to 25 centimeters (10 in) in diameter. The bark is smooth and whitish or light green when young, becoming darker and deeply furrowed with age. The leaves are nearly round, fluttering in the slightest breeze, which gives the tree its common name. The foliage turns a brilliant yellow in the fall, adding to its ornamental value.

Quaking Aspen is valued for its rapid growth and striking fall coloration. It is used in reforestation projects, for erosion control, and as a pioneer species in disturbed areas. It is also popular in large gardens and public landscapes for its aesthetic appeal. This tree requires full sun and can tolerate a range of soil moisture levels, from high to moderate, but prefers well-drained soils. It is not drought-tolerant and may require additional watering in dry climates. While it has few serious pest or disease problems, it can be susceptible to aspen leaf spot and canker diseases. Additionally, its aggressive root system can cause problems for urban infrastructure if not managed properly.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree
Height: 20-50 feet
Width: 10-30 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Erosion Control, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Cool, high elevation forests, and moist but well-drained sandy or gravelly soils along rivers and mountain slopes

Other Names

Common Names: Aspen Poplar , Quiver-Leaf , Trembling Aspen , American Aspen , Mountain Aspen , Golden Aspen , Faux-Tremble , Peuplier Faux-Tremble , Peuplier Tremble D’Amérique , Tremble

Scientific Names: Populus tremuloides , Populus tremuloides var. vancouveriana , Populus tremuloides var. aurea , Populus graeca , Populus atheniensis , Populus tremuloides var. magnifica , Populus aurea , Populus hispida , Populus tremuloides f. pendula , Populus tremuloides var. intermedia

GBIF Accepted Name: Populus tremuloides Michx.