Botanical Name: Populus tremuloides
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Common Name: Quaking Aspen  
Plant photo of: Populus tremuloides
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Tree

 

Height Range

25-40', 40-60'

 

Flower Color

n/a

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

White

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium, High, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Fast

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

Invasive

Design Styles

Meadow, Ranch, Native Garden, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Multi-trunk Tree

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background

 

Special Uses

Shade Tree, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

Though iconic to the Rocky Mountains, Aspen aren't well suited to our urban and valley landscapes. They resent the summer heat and the lack of snow, and as such are prone to a host of disease and pest issues. And if that's not enough, their tendency to sucker can create a maintenance nightmare. Consider instead Serviceberry or Manchurian Ash for a similar appearance.
Best suited to growing in the higher evelations of the East Benches and Canyon locations. Grow in full sun to part shade in well drained, loamy soil. Though native, aspen are not drought tolerant, and require regular irregation when planted in the lower elevations of the Salt Lake Valley.