Overview
Populus tremuloides is quaking aspen (trembling aspen), an upright deciduous tree growing 20-50 feet (6-15 m) tall and 15-30 feet (4.5-9 m) wide. The most widely distributed native tree in North America — from Newfoundland to Alaska and south through the Rocky Mountains to Mexico. Nearly circular (orbicular) leaves 1.5-3 inches (4-7 cm) on flattened petioles that cause the leaves to tremble in the slightest breeze — the source of the common name quaking aspen. Smooth white to cream bark with horizontal lenticels, developing black knot scars with age. Turns bright golden-yellow in fall. Dioecious — grayish catkins 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) before leaves in March-April. In Salicaceae. Spreads aggressively by root suckers — genetically identical clones can emerge 50-100 feet (15-30 m) from the parent trunk. This aggressive suckering is the primary maintenance limitation in cultivated landscapes. Individual trunks are short-lived (40-60 years) but the root system persists — the clone regenerates continuously. Not drought-tolerant — requires consistent moisture. Does not tolerate hot humid summers — performs poorly south of zone 7. Susceptible to numerous cankers, borers, leaf diseases, and tent caterpillars. Deer browse. Non-toxic. Zones 1-7. Full sun. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Native to North America — the most widely distributed native tree on the continent. From Newfoundland to Alaska, south through the Rocky Mountains to Mexico, sea level to 12,000 feet (3,600 m). Absent from the southeastern coastal plain.Suggested Uses
Grown as a grove or colony in large naturalistic landscapes and restoration sites, spaced 15-30 feet (4.5-9 m). White bark. Trembling foliage. Golden-yellow fall color. Aggressive root suckers — not for small or formal landscapes. Not heat-tolerant. Native to North America. Non-toxic. Zones 1-7.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 50'
Width/Spread15' - 30'
Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years
Bloom Information
Early spring (March-April). Grayish catkins 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) before leaves. Dioecious — female trees release cottony seed. Wind-pollinated. 1 week.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Grayish catkins 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) before leaves in March-April; inconspicuous; dioecious — male and female on separate trees; female catkins release cottony seedFoliage Description
Medium green above, paler beneath, nearly circular (orbicular) with finely serrated margins, 1.5-3 inches (4-7 cm) across, on flattened petioles that cause the leaves to tremble in the slightest breeze; turns bright golden-yellow in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours). Well-drained soil pH 5.0-7.0. Not drought-tolerant — requires consistent moisture. Aggressive root suckers — remove unwanted suckers regularly. Does not tolerate hot humid summers (zones 8+). Susceptible to cankers, borers, leaf diseases, and tent caterpillars. Short-lived individual trunks (40-60 years). Prune in winter — spring pruning bleeds sap. High maintenance. Non-toxic. Zones 1-7.Pruning
Prune in winter (January-February) — spring or summer pruning causes heavy sap bleeding. Remove dead branches. Remove unwanted root suckers to prevent colony spread. Individual trunks are short-lived (40-60 years) — plan for replacement or allow the sucker colony to regenerate.Pruning Schedule
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winter