Planting and Growing the Quaking Aspen

The quaking aspen, or Populus tremuloides, is from the willow family of plants. It is native to the United States and is a perennial tree.

Quaking Aspen Description

Growing 35 to 50 feet high, this deciduous tree has a long trunk and goes from a pyramid shape it its youth to a round crown when aged. Leaves are shiny, roundish, and small. Flowers are unisexual. There are silver catkins that come on the tree prior to the leaves. Bark is smooth when young but ages to furrowed. It is white-green in color. The green leaves will turn bright yellow in fall.

Growing Guide

The quaking aspen is not picky about lighting condition, growing from full sun to full shade. It is tolerant of cold. Propagate by cuttings, suckers, root division, or by seed. Seed should still be able to get light and should not be covered all the way.

Distribution

This native is found in the states of Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming. It is seen in upland woods and stream banks.

Uses

The wood is used for boxes, furniture, pulpwood, and as particle-board.

Wildlife Attracted

It attracts birds and butterflies to the landscape. It is a food source for the Great Ash Sphinx moth and a larval host to the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and the Viceroy butterflies. It is a browse plant for rabbits, beavers, moose, deer, sheep, goats, and quail.

Problems

It is prone to disease and insect problems. It is also a short-lived tree.

Source: NPIN