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Aspen Poplar (trembling aspen)

Populus tremuloides

Often called trembling aspen. There are two really common poplar that grow native. This is one of them. Aspen leaves are small, about quarter to loonie sized. The petiole (leaf stem) is very thin for a leaf this size, so the leaves move in the slightest breeze.

Aspen is fast growing, and is ideally suited as a tree to alternate with spruce when planting rows. The aspen will provide interest during the ten years or so it takes the spruce to become noticeable. With water and light spring fertilizer application they will grow three to four feet per year.

Aspen are small enough to be reasonably safe close to the house. Sure if they fall on the house in a wind, they will bend the gutters, and may remove a shingle or two, but they come crashing through the roof. (I had an uncle who had a big cottonwood next to the house, in a climate where winters were light, so houses weren't made for big roof loads. Smashed the bedroom flat. His wife was not impressed.)

Consider a small clump (3 or 5) next to a water feature in your yard.

Located outside a window, aspen sounds like running water.

Pale bark makes a striking contrast to dark needled evergreens.

Fall colour is a clear yellow.

Aspen are short lived, although regular watering will help. Typically they will only last 30 to 50 years. They also shed twigs in heavy wind. most of these are small enough to be mulched by your lawn mower.