Quick answer: Quaking aspen is a fast-growing native tree for USDA zones 1–6 that reaches 40–50 feet tall and 20–30 feet wide. It needs full sun and does poorly in hot summers south of zone 6. Buy it for white bark, leaves that tremble in any breeze and golden fall color, and expect root suckers.
Why grow Quaking Aspen
- Native to the United States
- Deer, moose, beaver, ruffed grouse, rabbits and many songbirds feed on its buds, twigs, bark and leaves or use it for cover
- Golden yellow fall color
- Fast growing
- Works in a windbreak
Quaking Aspen at a glance
| Botanical name | Populus tremuloides |
|---|---|
| Plant type | Deciduous tree |
| USDA hardiness zones | 1–6 |
| Mature height | 40–50 ft |
| Mature spread | 20–30 ft |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Pollination | No second plant needed |
| Fall color | Golden yellow |
| Ships as | Dormant bare-root plant, 2–3 ft |
| Can't ship to | AK, HI |
Pollination
Aspen has separate male and female trees and is wind-pollinated. No partner is needed because it is grown for its bark, leaves and fall color.
Planting and care
- Sun: Needs full sun; it does not tolerate shade.
- Soil: Adapts to sandy, loamy, clay and rocky soils, including moist sites, as long as summers are cool.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter to remove dead or damaged branches. Remove unwanted root suckers as they appear.
- Pests and diseases: Cankers, leaf spots and insects such as aphids are common, especially on stressed trees in warm climates. Individual trunks are relatively short-lived.
Step-by-step bare-root planting instructions
What arrives and when
Your Quaking Aspen ships dormant (no leaves) and bare root (no pot or soil) at 2–3 ft. It may look like a bare stick with roots; that is normal for a dormant plant. Spring shipping runs March 15 to July 30 for all zones, timed to your zone. Fall shipping, November 15 to late February, is for Zones 6–10 only. See the dates for your zone.
We can't ship this plant to: AK, HI.
Covered by our 1-year warranty (store credit; terms apply).
Frequently asked questions
What zones can quaking aspen grow in?
Quaking aspen is hardy in USDA zones 1–6. It generally does not thrive south of zone 6 because it dislikes hot summers.
Does quaking aspen spread by suckers?
Yes. Aspen sends up new shoots from its shallow roots and naturally forms groves; mow or pull suckers where you do not want them.
How long does a quaking aspen live?
Individual trunks are fairly short-lived, about 50–60 years in the Great Lakes states. The root system keeps producing new stems.
Can quaking aspen grow in shade?
No. Aspen is shade-intolerant and needs full sun to grow well.
What does the quaking aspen look like when it arrives?
It ships as a dormant, leafless bare-root tree about 2–3 feet tall. Plant it soon after arrival and keep it watered the first season.
Plant facts checked October 2026 against: NC State Extension, USDA PLANTS Database.