The P. tremuloides is a deciduous tree that grows to be 40-60 feet in height and 20-30 feet in width.  The P. tremuloides grows most rapidly in the first 20 years, and rarely lives longer than 200 years.  It has a rounded crown of thin foliage and the canopy cover is aspen groves often exceeds 100%. (www.GeoCities.com, p.1) 

  The leaves are alternately arranged, and are ovate in shape, ranging from 3-8cm long.  The flattened petiole is what makes the P. tremuloides able to flutter in the slightest of breeze. (www.GeoCities.com, p.1)

  The twigs of the P. tremuloides can vary from red to gray-brown with alternate, hairless buds.  The bark is smooth, ranging form a light to greenish gray color.  As the tree matures, the bark may form vertical black ridges.  The trunk is mostly branch free and has slight curvatures. (www.GeoCities.com, p.2)

The P. tremuloides grows best in zone 2. (www.mpelectric.com, p.1)

  Dry, cool summers with abundant sunlight and temperature no higher than 95 degrees Fahrenheit are largely preferred. Winters must be abundant with snow and a temperature between 0-40 degrees Fahrenheit.  P. tremuloides grows best in a variety of soils, ranging from skeletal soils on bedrock to deep well-developed nutrient rich soil, but must be moist and well drained.

  The most popular form of reproduction, forming suckers.  Many aspen only have one clone with thousands of budding sites on the lateral roots.  This method of reproduction helps the tree regrow after it has been damaged.  Clones can live for an extended period of time due to the mature rooting system, compared to aspen plants germinating from seeds. (Pyott & Richling, p.3) 

  Unbelievably, fire has actually helped the P. tremuloides quite a bit.  Fire has helped the aspen to become taller and more shade tolerant.  P. tremuloides has been called the 'asbestos tree' because they do not burn easily.  Once burned the trees are no longer hardy and immediately the root mass energizes the sprouting suckers, which than can grow rapidly in the sun and in the new soil. (Johnson, p.4)

  The Populus tremuloides is a very beautiful tree and has many benefits for humans and the environment.

leaves alternately arranged and ovate in shape
 

Autumn turns leaves to yellow-green and red-orange