Quaking Aspen

Specs

Botanical Name Populus tremuloides

Environment Full Sun, Medium Water

Wildlife Attracts Birds

Season Flowers in Spring, Green Leaves

Quaking Aspen is the most widely distributed tree in North America. It is known by many names: trembling aspen, golden aspen, mountain aspen, popple, poplar, trembling poplar, and in Spanish, álamo blanco, and álamo temblón. It grows on many soil types, especially sandy and gravelly slopes, and it is quick to pioneer disturbed sites where there is bare soil. This fast-growing tree is short lived and pure stands are gradually replaced by slower-growing species. The light, soft wood has very little shrinkage and high grades of aspen are used for lumber.