Populus tremula aka Poplar

Taxonomy

Populus tremula, commonly known as aspen, common aspen, Eurasian aspen, European aspen, or quaking aspen, is a tall and vigorous deciduous tree native to cool temperate regions of Europe and Asia. It can be found in various countries such as Iceland, the British Isles, Kamchatka, Scandinavia, northern Russia, central Spain, Turkey, the Tian Shan, North Korea, and northern Japan. It even occurs at one site in northwest Africa in Algeria. In the southern part of its range, it thrives at high altitudes in mountains. This substantial tree can grow up to 40 meters tall and has a broad trunk that can reach over 1 meter in diameter. The bark is initially pale greenish-grey and smooth on young trees, but it becomes dark grey and fissured as the tree ages. The leaves, which are produced on mature branches, are nearly round and slightly wider than long. They have a coarsely toothed margin and a laterally flattened petiole, allowing them to tremble even in gentle breezes. This unique characteristic gives the tree its scientific name and one of its vernacular names, "langues de femmes." However, the leaves on seedlings and fast-growing stems of suckers have a different shape, being heart-shaped to nearly triangular and often larger in size. Overall, Populus tremula is a striking tree with rustling leaves that display vibrant autumn colors. It is well-adapted to its native habitats in Europe and Asia and can thrive in various climatic conditions.

Common names

Poplar, European Aspen, Aspen

How to care for Poplar

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Poplar due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Poplar should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Poplar requires special care to keep it thriving. Its sensitivity to dry soil means that you need to be especially careful when it comes to selecting the right potting soil. Look for a soil that will retain moisture, but is also well-draining. A good potting soil should have plenty of organic material, such as coco coir or sphagnum moss, which will help to keep the soil moist and provide extra nutrition for your plant. When planting your Aspen, make sure to mix the soil with some compost or manure to give it an extra boost of nutrients. Additionally, you should water your plant often to ensure that the soil remains moist. With the right care and attention, your Poplar will bloom beautifully in your home.

Lighting

Poplar thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Aspen.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Poplar is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Poplar’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Iceland south and east to N. Africa, temperate Asia to Japan.


More info:
Wikipedia