Trembling Aspen vs Balsam Poplar - TreeTime.ca

Trembling Aspen vs Balsam Poplar

Populus tremuloides

Populus balsamifera

Trembling Aspen
Balsam Poplar

Trembling Aspen is a hardy, fast-growing tree. It is known for its unique "trembling" leaf movement and beautiful bark that whitens with age.

This native shade tree tolerates a range of growing conditions and requires little maintenance.

Balsam Poplar is a hardy, fast-growing deciduous tree that is Native to Canada east of the Rockies.

We grow them in two variations. Sometimes they are a male clones, so they don't produce fluff. Other times, we grow them from seed, which will result in fluff. The detailed descriptions (see below) will tell you which is which.

Trembling Aspen Quick Facts

Balsam Poplar Quick Facts

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Zone: 1a
Zone: 2a
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Fuzz/fluff: yes
Fuzz/fluff: see description
Catkins: yes
Catkins: yes
Fall colour: brilliant yellow
Fall colour: golden yellow
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium


In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Other Names: american aspen, golden aspen, mountain aspen, quaking aspen, quiver leaf aspen, trembling poplar, white poplar
Other Names: bam, bamtree, eastern balsam poplar, hackmatack, tacamahac