Bareroot Populus tremula (Aspen)

Known as the aspen for its perpetually quivering leaves, this graceful deciduous tree brings constant movement to the garden with foliage that dances in the slightest breeze. The nearly circular leaves with their flattened stalks flutter distinctively, showing flashes of silvery white undersides against the fresh green upper surfaces before turning brilliant gold in autumn. More compact than many poplars, it forms a slender crown with smooth grey green bark that gradually darkens and fissures with age. Thriving in poor soils and exposed sites, it spreads readily by suckers to form attractive groves, making it ideal for naturalistic plantings or adding light, airy texture to woodland edges. A superb choice for introducing shimmering vitality to landscapes while supporting biodiversity.

Family of Trees: Salicaceae

Habit: Deciduous Tree, Open Crown

Growth Rate: 40-80 cm/year

Optimal Temperature: 5-20°C, hardy to -40°C

Harmful if Eaten?: Non-toxic

Flowers or Berries: Catkins

Hardiness: H7 (Extremely Hardy)

Hardiness ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

○ H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
○ H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
○ H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
○ H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
○ H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
○ H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
○ H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
○ H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
○ H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)