The Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) is a Guinness Book of World Record champion, making the grade several time. The Quaking Aspen has the widest natural range of any tree, and is native to cooler areas of North America. This tree is also the largest living organism, growing in clones that reproduce primarily by sending up sprouts from their roots. And as far as the oldest…a clone in Minnesota has been estimated to be 8,000 years old! Boasts beautiful yellow fall color.
Be aware, this is not a tree for all areas, however planted in the right location the quaking aspen is a delight of color, movement, and sound. Once fully grown, this is a stunning tree that is considered to be both shade and ornamental. Features rounded, triangular leaves with small teeth on the margins and arranged alternately on the branches. Produces long, silvery catkins typically in April and May. Produces small seeds in the early spring.
Prefers full sun to partial shade, grows well in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained and clay soils, prefers abundant moisture.