Description

About the Quaking Aspen Tree

Known for its small, shimmering leaves; beautiful white bark; and bright golden-yellow fall color, the Quaking Aspen tree, also called Trembling Aspen or American Aspen, is a beautiful deciduous tree. It is the state tree of Utah.

Native to North America, this tree grows naturally over a larger geographical area than any other tree species on the continent. It is the tree responsible for the stunning golden color found on the Rocky Mountains every autumn.

With a height between twenty-five to sixty feet tall and small, round leaves, Quaking Aspen trees are often used in parks for their graceful beauty and gorgeous color. They are charming decorative trees to add to a home lawn or forest. They grow well in areas with cooler summers.

The Quaking Aspen is sometimes confused with the birch tree, since both trees have white bark with graceful trunks. However, the birch tree has bark that peels, while aspens do not; and both trees belong to different families.

Uses of the Tree

The Quaking Aspen is primarily grown as a stunning ornamental tree. It also provides a habitat for many birds and is a food source for many foraging animals. Commercially, the aspen can be used for fencing, firewood, and wood pulp.

Growing the Quaking Aspen

In the wild, these Aspens grow in clusters called a stand. One stand is made of many trees that are genetically the same, called clones. Each clone springs from a shared root system, as one of the ways the tree reproduces is through lateral root sprouting. In fact, a stand of Quaking Aspen trees taken as a whole is the largest living organism on earth!

The homeowner should think about how much space to give the Quaking Aspen, because of root sprouting. One tree could lead to shoots of new trees that spring from the roots. If these newer trees are not desired, the shoots can be trimmed when they first surface.

These trees are cold-hardy and prefer areas with cooler summers. They need full sun and well-drained soil. They are fast growing, capable of growing up to two feet per year.

Buy Quaking Aspen trees for your lawn, field, or forest and enjoy their golden fall colors, shimmering leaves, and striking white bark.

Survival Guaranteed!

Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will send you a free one-time replacement, with a nominal shipping fee of $9.99. If the item in question is not available, we can issue a one-time credit to your account equaling the original product purchase price or issue you a refund. Read more about our warranty policy.

Characteristics

Hardiness Zone Range 2 - 7
Shade/Sun Full Sun
Soil Moisture Well Drained
Soil pH Level 5.5 - 8.0

Size & Spacing

Mature Size

When your tree matures, it will be approximately 25 - 60' tall x 20 - 30' wide.

Recommended Spacing

We recommend spacing these trees 25 - 60' apart to ensure room for growth.

Zone Compatibility

This Variety's Zone Range 2 - 7
My Hardiness Zone ?
The USDA hardiness zones offer a guide to varieties that will grow well in certain climates. Each zone corresponds to the minimum winter temperatures experienced in a given area. Make sure that your hardiness zone lies within the zone compatibility range of this variety before ordering.

Tools & Supplies

Having the proper tools and supplies when growing your own can make the difference between a good harvest and a great harvest! Here's a list that our experts recommend for this variety.

Planting & Care

Learn all about how to grow shade trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.

Shipping Information

Arrives when it's time to plant

Your success is our priority. We work hard to make sure that your order arrives at the ideal time for planting in your location based on your local climate conditions.

Tags

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Questions & Answers

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27 Questions
Why did you choose this?

Aspen/Birch trees do well in our area of N Arizona

color

ALWAYS BUY MY FRUIT TREES AND TREES FROM YOU GUYS GREAT SERVICE

It was Kinzi's favorite tree

Do these aspens have a root system that would impact a septic system?

Willow tree roots will seek water! They are known for wrapping around various buried pipes - sewer and water in particular. Strongly recommend plantin willows along a stream channel of any size - boggy soil will do also. During droughts, plan on watering the tree.

What is the approximate growth rate for the Quaking Aspen?

This tree will grow 2' or more per year.

Can quaking aspen be planted in winter?

We appreciate you reaching out to us. Because weather and soil conditions vary so much from year to year and even within your zone, it's best to think of your planting time as a range of favorable conditions instead of an exact time.

You can plant new plants and trees:
1) when the ground is not frozen.
2) when daytime temperatures are above freezing (32ºF) and below 90ºF.
3) when extreme weather (blizzard, hail, torrential rain, etc.) is not in the forecast. Be sure to keep plants watered if you're transplanting in warm and/or dry weather.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!

Why is it called quaking? Does it produce fruit or seeds?

The leaves shake in the slightest breeze. I don't know about seeds or fruit but it's roots will sprout new trees. It's famous for spreading this way to cover acres that are clones of a parent tree. This behavior makes them great for filling in as a sun break or wind break.

how does the quaking aspen grow in alkaline soil?

I planted 14 of these along my driveway in KY and we have alkaline soil with the limestone base here. 14/14 have survived and honestly thrived. I’ve seen over 5ft of growth in two seasons on most trees with full sun. Lesser sun really stunts the growth though on two of them.

Does the root system grow on top of the ground like maple trees?

No.Roots grow under ground. The root systems of existing or newly planted trees produce new trees. This is how large stands are made naturally.

How tall will this tree get?

That information is listed on the product page if you scroll down . When your tree matures, it will be approximately 25 - 60' tall x 20 - 30' wide.

I am planting 2 Quaking Aspen in my front yard. How close to each other can I plant them?

Well depending on the size of your front yard, you can plant them 8-10 feet a part!

Can aspen,root trees that can transplant to another place?

Yes - Aspen trees can be transplanted to another place when they are dormant in the late fall or early spring.

$34.00 trees.  What size are these when shipped?

This will ship Bare-root 3 – 4' Tall with a 3/8" trunk.

Customer Reviews

32 Ratings
4.2out of 5 stars
32 Ratings

Rated 5 stars by 59% of reviewers

Rated 4 stars by 16% of reviewers

Rated 3 stars by 16% of reviewers

Rated 2 stars by 3% of reviewers

Rated 1 star by 6% of reviewers

1-10 of 32 Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 11, 2025
Healthy, Bare-Root Tree!
Healthy, bare-root tree arrived in good shape. Packaging is always sturdy.
So far, it seems to like where it's planted. Has a nice view of the farm, from its little hillside. Gets good sun most of the day, with dappled sun in heat of afternoon.
Rated 5 out of 5
Aug 16, 2024
I am very pleased with the trees.
They came with perfect instructions, and are growing beautifully.
I'm looking forward to purchasing more trees next year.
Rated 5 out of 5
Aug 5, 2024
Happy little tree!
Tree arrived promptly. Packed well to keep roots moist. The Aspen is growing nicely.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jun 10, 2024
Quaking Aspen
Planted the tree on March 19, 2024. Today, June 9th, it is developing nicely.
Rated 5 out of 5
Mar 8, 2024
Solid Bare Root
Zone 7A (southcentral PA / Cumberland), received 2 phenomenal bare root aspens, one has a 3/4" base and is 5' tall, the other is 1/2" and about 4.5' tall.

Planted in 6" hole in cardboard box (18" x 30") with bottom removed to help direct root system spread towards the second Aspen under the woodchips that are mulching down to rejuvenate the clay soil.

The roots were well developed and I can't wait for these things to be the side-front shade providers of summer evenings in about 10 years.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jun 11, 2023
Quaking Aspens
Trees were in great shape when delivered. Good calipers. Planted when weather was appropriate, a few weeks after delivery. Each tree with the exception of 2 have leafed out & are growing gangbusters. The 2 exceptions I'm watching . Lateral branches dried & broke off but the trunk passed the scratch test. Since we had a crazy spring I'm giving it another month or so to show signs of life before I call for replacements.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jun 11, 2023
Great plant quality and packaging
I was impressed with the quality of the trees when they arrived, and also the packaging. They are growing fine.
Rated 5 out of 5
Mar 21, 2023
Planted in 2021.
They are still newly planted to early to provide feedback. Advice pick suitable location 4 years should show good feedback about your ??
Rated 5 out of 5
Nov 16, 2022
Excellent service. Highly recommended.
Very good trees were sent to me. Planted by the instructions and gave them tender care. They will be an asset to our property. Starks gave us excellent service and I highly recommend giving them your business.
Rated 5 out of 5
Oct 29, 2022
Growing
The tree is hardy and about 5 feet high. It has a stem protector so we will see how it is in the spring.