Populus tremuloides (Quaking Aspen, Trembling Aspen)


Michael's Opinion

Generally more useful as a natural landscape plant due to the amount of pests and the dropping branches, however the leaves bring a unique beauty to the landscape since they have an intense clear yellow autumn colour.

Botanical Information

FamilySalicaceae
GenusPopulus
Speciestremuloides
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginNative to most of North America.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
Traditionally used for medicine by native North Americans
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone1 - 6
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone2
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH6-H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-46)- 12.2
Temperature (°F)(-50)-10
Height15-25 m
Spread20-100 cm
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionThe Quaking or Trembling aspen is a North American native tree that boasts the largest native range of any tree. Reproducing through a combination of runners and seeds it is very fast growing and prefers moist soil, and full sun.
ID CharacteristicThe Trembling Aspen is easily identified by the sound it makes and the scars left by fallen lower limbs, which this aspen is prone to losing. The petiole of the trembling aspen is almost completely flat, and the leaf stalk is longer than the leaf itself, so even the slightest breeze makes this tree appear to be trembling, giving it its name. This along with the white/grey colouration of the bark and typical poplar leaves make it easy to pick out.
ShapeLower limbs almost always die back leaving a V-shaped scar and the tree matures to a straight trunk.
LandscapeGenerally used in natural landscaping. Leaves 'tremble' in the wind hence the common name.
PropagationReproduces mainly through runners. The easiest way to propagate the plant is by taking root cuttings. Seed easily germinates.
CultivationBest grown on well drained to moist soil that is rich in calcium, however it is quite adaptable.
PestsAspen serpentine leafminer, poplar borer, western tent caterpillar, roundheaded and flatheaded woodborer, leafminer beetle. Elk tooth marks and bear claw marks may be present in natural environments.
Notable SpecimensIn Utah, an individual called Pando has covered 81 hectares and is estimated to be the heaviest known organism on the planet at 6600 tons.
Bark/Stem DescriptionVaries from warty, smooth, white, grey, green or all of the above and with age the lower bark becomes grey and broadly cracked.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionConical, reddish-brown; terminal bud .5 cm long, often resinous. Stem buds are commonly eaten by elk or killed by severe freezing.
Leaf DescriptionSimple, alternate, and heart shaped to nearly round, 2.5-7.6 cm long; dark green and shiny above, pale green underside with small rounded teeth at the margins.
Flower DescriptionA dioecious species producing catkins. Bracts are brown, finger-like, and surround creamy yellow flowers with black tipped stamens. Flowers in the spring before leaves emerge.
Fruit DescriptionSmall downy capsules.
Colour DescriptionIn autumn, foliage turns gold-yellow and occasionally red in some specimens. Generally green foliage and brown lustrous bark.
Texture DescriptionSmooth to coarse.

Photographs