About
Populus tremula, the aspen, is a large, deciduous tree with a broad crown, sometimes suckering freely. Rounded, bronze-flushed young leaves tremble in the lightest breeze and turn yellow in autumn. Male trees have woolly, grey catkins in late winter and early spring before the leaves open. A beautiful and characteristic native tree for a large, open, moist site.
About the genus
Populus, the poplars and aspens, are mostly very fast-growing, large, deciduous trees producing male and female catkins on separate trees before the leaves open in spring. Male catkins are the more ornamental; female trees can be a nuisance from cottony, wind-blown seeds. Excellent trees for large landscapes.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Native toEurope, N Africa, SW Asia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, fertile soils but avoid planting in vicinity of buildings due to vigorous root system; it has the potential to become a nuisance. Very useful as a screen or as part of a shelter belt and grows very rapidly
PruningPruning group 1; sucker removal in autumn or winter if necessary
PropagationPropagate from hardwood cuttings in winter or suckers in autumn or late winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf beetles, sawflies and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf spots, poplar bacterial canker, tree rusts and honey fungus