Species American aspen
green leaves with brown-orange stems and branches

American aspen

Populus tremuloides

Also Known As - white poplar
American aspen (Poplus tremuloides) is a deciduous tree native to North America. It grows rapidly and can reach heights up to 30 meters, and its trunk has a diameter of up to one meter. Its bark is smooth and whitish-green with yellowish patches. The leaves are broadly oval about 6-8 cm long and 2-4 cm wide. In the fall they turn a brilliant yellow, orange, or red. American aspen is the most widely distributed tree species in the whole country. They prefer moist soils, but they can also tolerate drought and are found in wetlands, prairies, and meadows. Its bark is naturally resistant to insects and decaying, making it a popular choice for firewood.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

1 - 6

Flowers:

Red, Silver Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Sandy Loamy Clay

Fruits:

green,brown Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow,orange,brown

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

High

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Watering American aspen (Populus tremuloides) is most effective when done 1 to 2 times a week. Each session should involve thoroughly soaking the soil around the tree to a depth of 6 inches, making sure to guarantee sufficient moisture for the roots. If the soil in the tree's area appears dry, increase watering frequency. During hot, dry spells, it is best to provide more frequent, shallow watering around the base of the tree. This method allows for a larger amount of roots to be reached and ensures that the tree gets the water it needs.

sunlight

American Aspen trees (Populus tremuloides) thrive in full sunlight. They require a minimum of 6 to 7 hours of sunlight each day in order to grow and thrive. During the fall and winter months, sunlight exposure may be reduced to as little as 4 hours due to the shorter daylight hours. During the spring and summer months, however, American Aspens should receive at least 8 to 9 hours of sunlight to ensure proper growth. Additionally, American Aspens require full sun during the growing season to produce optimal growth.

pruning

For American aspen, pruning should be done once per year, preferably in late spring after the leaves have fully developed. Pruning should be done to remove branches that are dead, diseased, or damaged, as well as to thin out overcrowded growth and shape the canopy into an aesthetically pleasing form. When pruning, the lower branches should be maintained as much as possible. Cut only branches that are at least 2/3s of their diameter diameter. Keep the shape of the canopy as natural as possible, taking care not to create a dome-shaped crown or ‘lion's tail’. Excessive pruning can create instability in the tree and should be avoided.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

American aspen typically start flowering in April or May.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of the fruits from the species Populus tremuloides (American aspen) typically begins in late June and continues through August.

Hardiness Map