Quaking Aspen

General 
Scientific Name: Populus tremuloides 
Family: Salicaceae (Willow) 
Hardiness: Zone 2 
Leaves: Deciduous 
Plant Type: Tree 

Growth 
Rate: Fast 
Mature Height: >45’ 
Longevity: Long 
Power Line: No 

Ornamental 
Flowers: Inconspicuous 
Fruit: Green 
Fall Color: Yellow

Sometimes called trembling aspen because their leaves tremble in a light breeze due to their flattened petioles. Quaking aspen has the most extensive native range of any tree in North America, from Alaska to the East Coast and down the Rocky Mountains to New Mexico. Rapidly recolonizes disturbed sites (after fire, logging, or other disturbances). Aspen trees grow fairly straight and become clear of lower limbs over time. The largest tree in North Dakota is 70 feet tall with a canopy spread of 39 feet.

Light: Full sun. 
Water: Medium water use. 
Soil: Prefers moist, well drained soils but adaptable to a wide variety of sites.

The bark of quaking aspen is white to cream and smooth in young trees but develops dark ridges and furrows with age, especially at the base of the tree. Often grows in the wild in groves with each tree being a clone rising from an extensive root system. Wild groves will typically be all male or all female. Generally intolerant of urban pollution.

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Quaking Aspen

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Quaking Aspen

Quaking Aspen