Taxonomy
Clade | angiosperm |
Family | Salicaceae |
Genus | Populus |
Species | tremuloides |
Common Name | quaking aspen, trembling aspen |
iTree Code | POTR5 |
Plant Form
Form | Tree: narrow canopy, often in clonal groups |
Height | 65 feet |
Spread | 30 feet |
Deciduous | Yes |
Identification Description
Foliage | broadly ovate (nearly circular) shape, 1.5 - 3" in long/wide, serrated (toothed) edge, flat leaf stem (petiole); distinctive "trembling" in wind |
Leaf Type
 |
Simple |
Bark | smooth white or green when young, develops dark gray ridges & furrows with age |
Bud | terminal bud small pointed with obvious overlapping scales (imbricate), shiny, red-brown |
Bud Arrangement
 |
Alternate |
Twig | slender, current year red/brown, then light gray |
Flower | long “fluffy” gray/white catkins, with red & green; male and female on separate trees (dioecious) |
Fruit | oval seed capsule, very small |
Fall Color | yellow |
Site Characteristics
USDA Zones
 |
pH Levels | Salt Tolerance |
Min | 1a |
Min | 4.3 |
Soil | Moderate |
Max | 6b |
Max | 9.0 |
Spray | Moderate |
Shade Tolerance | Drought Tolerance | Allelopathy |
Intolerant |
Intolerant |
Yes |
Species Status
Nebraska Native |
|
U.S. Native |
|
Region of Origin | United States, Canada |
More Information | Visit External Site |