Swedish Quaking Aspen "Populus tremuloides" - Ask Extension
I'm finding conflicting information on lifespan, heartiness, and size of this tree. Also wondering if its true that this variety suckers less than oth...
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Swedish Quaking Aspen "Populus tremuloides" #894280
Asked March 12, 2025, 9:47 PM EDT
I'm finding conflicting information on lifespan, heartiness, and size of this tree. Also wondering if its true that this variety suckers less than other aspens? Can you confirm this variety is long lived, disease resistant and maxes out at 10 ft wide but more typically grows 5-8 ft wide? Thank you!
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi and thanks for your questions about Quaking
Aspen life span and disease resistance. One reason you may be getting conflicting data may have to do with where the aspens are planted... different biomes will give different results.
According to the Sunset Western Garden Book, Populus tremuloides is shorter lived in warmer areas with mild winters, such as the coast and sometimes our Willamette Valley. It is fast growing but ranges from 20-60 feet, depending on soil, climate and water. Although may of the aspens are hardy, the Quaking Aspen is apt to suffer from sudden dieback or borer insects.
The tree will send up suckers when it is cut, but not too badly if planted at the correct depth and left uncut. It is a good background tree for native shrubs and wildflowers.
I hope this helps,
Aspen life span and disease resistance. One reason you may be getting conflicting data may have to do with where the aspens are planted... different biomes will give different results.
According to the Sunset Western Garden Book, Populus tremuloides is shorter lived in warmer areas with mild winters, such as the coast and sometimes our Willamette Valley. It is fast growing but ranges from 20-60 feet, depending on soil, climate and water. Although may of the aspens are hardy, the Quaking Aspen is apt to suffer from sudden dieback or borer insects.
The tree will send up suckers when it is cut, but not too badly if planted at the correct depth and left uncut. It is a good background tree for native shrubs and wildflowers.
I hope this helps,
