Photo of Populus tremuloides distinctive bark, foliage, form by Tewy

Photo by Tewy

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Populus tremuloides

Also Known As

  • Quakies
  • Quaking Aspen
  • Trembling Aspen

Plant type

tree

size

  • H: 30'-50'
  • W: 15'-30'

planting zones

  • 2a-9b

More Options

Populus tremuloides plant details

Populus tremuloides is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. Grows well with sun and even moisture - regular water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Populus tremuloides

Plant type: tree
Plant family: salicaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 15 FT - 30 FT - wide, 30 FT - 50 FT - tall
Uses: distinctive bark, fall color, winter interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Populus tremuloides

USDA Zones: 2a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This much loved 30-50' native U.S. tree is easily recognized by its delightful medium green heart-shaped leaves on flattened stems, which flutter brightly in the slightest breeze and by its creamy-white bark which becomes chalky-white with black patches as it ages. The bark makes a lovely picture combined with its golden-yellow fall color; much better suited to areas with cool summers. S/M-W
Populus tremuloides, or Quaking Aspen, is the most widely distributed tree in North America that thrives in cold mountainous regions. Aspen trees are gorgeous for their beautiful white trunks and golden fall color, but are also known for providing almost constant motion in the garden as the leaves flutter wildly even with seemingly no breeze (hence the name 'Quaking' Aspen). These trees are exceptionally cold hardy and thrive in colder regions than any other plant we grow. They are listed as growing in zones 1-6 which would indicate that they don't do well in warmer southern climates, although here in zone 8 they perform well. Their native range extends well into Mexico's central mountains where the climate is much warmer and without much of a winter, showing that under the right conditions these trees perform well in most areas. For areas with high summer heat like our nursery (100 degrees is common for much of the summer) a little bit of afternoon shade goes a long way in keeping plants healthy.
Aspens produce colonies of trees as they produce roots which travel underground for sometimes long distances before sending up shoots to grow into new trees. Therefore one tree will produce a small grove over time and this makes Aspens an excellent choice for establishing large forested areas on good sized properties. However, in small gardens this trait makes the plants invasive and so sadly Aspens are not a good choice for residential areas. Many people attempt to just cut back all the suckers each year but this only works until the roots spread into your neighbor's yard where they are free to grow into new trees.

Aspen trees like areas with good summer moisture and often grow in mountain meadows and along streambeds. However, they also do equally well in high drained soil in our area and are often found growing in pumice fields where their roots can grow deep enough to get to consistent water. Water plants during dry summer spells to get your trees established for the fastest growth.

Deciduous tree with a narrow, conical habit in its younger years and a more rounded crown at maturity. Dainty green foliage flutters in the wind and turns to a lovely yellow in the fall. This provides excellent contrast against its grayish-white bark. Native to the eastern and western coastal states of the U.S., the quaking aspen is the most widely distributed tree in North America.
Fast-growing but short-lived in the East; best growth and persistence in the West is under cold, dry conditions. Clear yellow fall color. One of the first trees to leaf out and last to drop its leaves.
For a cold climate what could be more beautiful than the golden yellow fall colors of this glowing tree! It is delightful in the summer as its lush green leaves quake and tremble in the breeze. The bark is very smooth and silvery gray, making it interesting in the winter without foliage. It's very hardy, so you don't have to worry about losing it to a freeze! Grows to 50' tall and 30' wide. And, it grows just fine in milder climates as well. Beautiful for landscaping when planted in clumps!

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Mesmerizing as the breeze floats through the leaves bringing them to life like a school of fish in unison. Suckering white-barked tree to 30 ft.

Gardening facts about Populus tremuloides plant

How to Grow Populus tremuloides

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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