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.