Trembling Aspen vs Black Cottonwood - TreeTime.ca

Trembling Aspen vs Black Cottonwood

Populus tremuloides

Populus trichocarpa

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(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Trembling Aspen
Black Cottonwood

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.

Black Cottonwood is the largest and tallest of the North American poplars. Named after its white, fluffy seeds with cottony hairs, this hardy tree produces sticky, fragrant buds and has a straight growth habit. Black Cottonwood needs ample moisture and nutrients to grow successfully to full height and are found in the Western provinces and the Yukon with BC being its heartland.

Trembling Aspen Quick Facts

Black Cottonwood Quick Facts

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Zone: 1a
Zone: 4a
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Height: 30 m (100 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: long
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium
Maintenance: medium


Fall colour: brilliant yellow
Seeds: fluff
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: yes


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Native to: AB, BC, YT
Other Names: american aspen, golden aspen, mountain aspen, quaking aspen, quiver leaf aspen, trembling poplar, white poplar
Other Names: balsam cottonwood, california poplar, western balsam poplar