Quaking Aspen

Populus tremuloides
Salicaceae
Populus tremuloides leaves JB
Populus tremuloides bark JB
Populus tremuloides form forest JB
Most wide ranging tree in North America. Striking white bark and fluttering leaves. Tolerates wide range of soil conditions except water-logged soil. Produces root suckers which form large colonies.

Summary

Climate Tolerance
Poor
Wildlife Benefits
Moth/butterfly host; insect host, attracts woodpeckers; cavity nesting site
Pollination Type
Wind
Plant Hardiness Zones
1 to 6
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
287
Bloom Time
Spring (Mar-Jun)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Full Sun: Receives 6 or more hours of direct sunlight
Maximum Height
Medium (40-75 ft)
Growth Rate
Rapid: 2 ft or greater per year
Soil Type
Clay: Small sized particles. Long moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Dry - Wet: Can tolerate a wide range of soil moisture between dry and wet
Root - Fungal Association
Arbuscular mycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on inside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Ectomycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on outside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Low; cosmetic-leaf spot
Urban Stress Tolerance
Low: Tree will not grow well in the urban environment
Drought Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
2
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Rare
  • Oak Mixed: Rare
  • Alluvial: Rare
  • Red Maple Mixed: Rare
  • Ruderal: Rare
Bloom Color
Brown
Green
Yellow
Form
Tree
Lifespan
Short: Less than 100 years
Soil pH
Acid-Neutral (pH 4.5-8.5)
Wetland Indicator Status
FACU: Facultative Upland, usually occurs in non-wetlands, but may occur in wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed from increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Tolerant: Tolerant to both aerial salt spray and salt present in soil
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern

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