Populus tremula aka Poplar

Populus tremula, or European aspen, belongs to the willow family. Its native range spans temperate Eurasia and Algeria. It also grows wild in Britain and Ireland. It lives in open woods and scrubby heathland. It can dominate sites with poor soil. This deciduous tree grows fast and forms a broad crown. Its many branches give it a spreading shape.

Garden trees can reach about 65 feet [20 metres] tall. RHS lists heights above 39 feet [12 metres]. It also lists spreads above 26 feet [8 metres]. The bark is smooth and yellow-grey. Young leaves emerge bronze, then turn grey-green above. Their lower sides are pale green. The rounded blades have toothed edges and flattened leaf stalks. These stalks let the leaves shake in light wind. Leaves turn yellow in autumn. Seedlings and vigorous suckers bear larger, heart-shaped to triangular leaves. Their leaf stalks are less flat.

Flowers appear in catkins from March to April. Male and female flowers grow on separate trees. Male catkins have green and brown tones with white hairs. Female catkins are green and develop fruit in early summer. Each fruiting catkin carries several small capsules. These hold many tiny seeds wrapped in soft fluff. The flowers have little value for garden display. The tree attracts birds and suits wildlife gardens.

Grow this aspen in full sun, though it tolerates part shade. It prefers moist, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage suits it, but RHS also lists poorly drained sites. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and chalk. It tolerates acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. Sources give USDA zones 1–6 and hardiness to zone 2. RHS rates it H7 for severe winter cold. It suits cool-summer gardens and can serve as a specimen. Its fast growth and wind resistance suit screens and shelterbelts.

Strong roots make sites near buildings a poor choice. The tree can send up many suckers and become troublesome. Remove unwanted suckers in autumn or winter. Leaf beetles, sawflies, and caterpillars may attack it. Diseases include leaf spots, bacterial canker, rust, and honey fungus. Its wood serves for paper and charcoal. Dried inner bark has served as flour during food shortages. PFAF reports no known hazards, but this is not proof of safety. It also records limited medicinal use of bark and leaves.