Populus tremuloides
Quaking Aspen
General
A fast-growing pioneer tree that can survive a variety of conditions and can form colonies. An important food source for beaver and deer.
Plant Description
Quaking aspen is a tall, narrow tree with smooth white bark, which becomes black with age or damage. Wide and round green leaves turn golden yellow in autumn and “quake” in even very slight breezes, which gives the tree its name.
Height (ft)
50-60
Spread (ft)
20-30
Soil moisture
High Moisture
Soil types
Fine to Coarse
Wetland indicator
FACU
Shade tolerance
Full Sun
Bloom color
Blue
Bloom period
Spring
Fall conspicuous
Yes
Anaerobic tolerance
Low
Drought tolerance
Low
Salinity tolerance
Medium
Self-Pollinating?
No
Range
Quaking aspen is native to the northeast, Midwest, Northwest and Southwest regions of the United States, but not to the southeastern United States. It is common in all of New England.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, the bark has been boiled or eaten raw, sap as flavoring for wild strawberries and bark used as winter food for horses. This plant has been smoked ceremoniously as well. A decoction of the bark has been used to treat stomach pain. The logs have been used to make Sundance lodges.