Trembling Aspen vs White Birch (Paper Birch) - TreeTime.ca

Trembling Aspen vs White Birch (Paper Birch)

Populus tremuloides

Betula papyrifera

Trembling Aspen
White Birch (Paper Birch)

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.

White Birch is a large, attractive deciduous tree. This fast-growing, cold hardy species has distinctive white papery bark that peels in layers, making it a beautiful ornamental or accent tree. White Birch also makes great firewood.

Trembling Aspen Quick Facts

White Birch (Paper Birch) Quick Facts

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Zone: 1a
Zone: 2a
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Height: 18 m (60 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: none
Maintenance: medium


Fall colour: brilliant yellow
Bark: white, papery, peeling
Seeds: fluff
Seeds: located within the catkins
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, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, PE
Other Names: american aspen, golden aspen, mountain aspen, quaking aspen, quiver leaf aspen, trembling poplar, white poplar
Other Names: american white birch, canoe birch, paper birch