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Populus tremuloides

Image of Populus tremuloides

James H. Schutte

Family

Salicaceae

Botanical Name

Populus tremuloides

Plant Common Name

Quaking Aspen

General Description

Named for its tremulous leaves which flutter in the breeze to reveal their pale undersides, quaking aspen is an upright, fast-growing, relatively short-lived deciduous tree native to North America. The gray-green to whitish bark and yellow fall foliage are attractive.

Quaking aspen needs full sun and accepts almost any soil. Aspens have extensive, aggressive, suckering surface roots that can invade nearby plantings, infiltrate and damage drainage systems, and heave pavement. This tree is best planted in a naturalized setting.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    1 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    A1, A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19

  • Plant Type

    Tree

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    40'-50' / 12.2m - 15.2m

  • Width

    20'-30' / 6.1m - 9.1m

  • Bloom Time

    Spring

  • Native To

    North America

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Fruit Color

    Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Blue Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Blue Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Yellow, Blue Green

  • Bark Color

    Gray Green, Gray, Silver

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    Yes

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Fissured

  • Usage

    Shade Trees

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    Sometimes

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes