Trembling Aspen vs American Sweet Flag - TreeTime.ca

Trembling Aspen vs American Sweet Flag

Acorus americanus

Populus tremuloides

CUSTOM GROW

American Sweet Flag
Trembling Aspen

American Sweet Flag is a native perennial wetland plant found along shorelines, streams, wet meadows, and marshes. Its extensive rhizome system allows it to spread and stabilise soil, helping maintain the edges of ponds and streams. This dense growth provides cover for small animals and supports overall wetland biodiversity, while the rhizomes and seeds serve as food for small mammals and waterfowl. Cold-hardy and resilient, it is well-suited for ecological restoration, riparian plantings, erosion control, and naturalization projects.

The plant grows in dense clumps with tall, sword-shaped leaves that release a citrus-like scent when bruised. The rhizomes are aromatic, with a spicy, cinnamon-like fragrance that has been used in perfumery and flavouring. In early summer, American Sweet Flag produces a distinctive floral spike (spadix), adding visual interest to wetland plantings.

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.

American Sweet Flag Quick Facts

Trembling Aspen Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: upright, colony-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - high
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: fragrant
Fall colour: brilliant yellow
Flowers: yellow floral spike
Bloom time: spring to summer
Seeds: fluff
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


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