Trembling Aspen Sapling Trees

• Variety: Aspen, the native Poplar with trembling leaves
• Latin name: Populus tremula
• Sold as: Bareroot saplings, 60/80, 100/125 and 150/175cm tall
• Mature size: More than 12m tall and more than 8m wide
• Time to full size: 20 to 50 years. Very fast-growing
• Leaves: Rounded, bronze when young, yellow in autumn, trembling in the lightest breeze
• Habit: Broad-crowned. It can sucker freely
• Position: Full sun. Exposed or sheltered
• Soil: Any moist soil. Keep it well away from buildings and drains
• Native: Yes
• Hardiness: H7, hardy in the severest British winter
• Delivered: Bareroot, November to April. Collection from Castle Cary also available

Aspen is our one native Poplar, grown for the sound and shimmer of leaves that tremble in the lightest air. It is very fast, rated H7, good on wet ground and useful as a screen or shelter belt, and its roots are vigorous, so it belongs out in the open and not near the house.

Trembling Aspen Sapling Trees

Populus tremula, Aspen Poplar, is a vigorous, suckering tree that thrives on wet soils. Populus tremula isn't suitable for a clipped hedge.

It can be grown as a screening tree up to about 25 metres high. The plants on this page are young saplings. You can also buy larger Aspen poplar trees.

Populus tremula saplings are only delivered bareroot, during winter (Nov-April).
All of our young trees and shrubs are measured by their height in centimetres above the ground (the roots aren't measured).

Browse our variety of large trees for your garden or view our full range of trees.

General description of Aspen Poplar plants:

Common Names: Trembling Aspen, Quaking Aspen
This is a fairly large, fast-growing deciduous tree with a creamy yellow autumn colour and delicate leaves on thin stalks that tremble in a breeze. The Aspen produces grey catkins in early spring, which provide food for bees.
It's not much of a hedge plant but is ideal for forest and large garden use. It's used as a fast growing screening tree, often to complement an evergreen hedge.

Planting Companions

Aspen is a pioneer, and its natural company is other pioneers: Silver Birch on drier ground and Alder where it is wet. All three sit among our native trees and trees for wildlife. Dust the roots with Rootgrow as you plant.

Why Ashridge for Hedging and Young Trees?

Hedging and young native trees are not a sideline here: your Aspen saplings are grown for us by specialist growers. Bareroot plants are lifted to order while dormant and guaranteed for 12 months. Ashridge has sold plants since 1949 and is a Which? Best Plant Supplier 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Aspen leaves tremble?

The leaf stalk is flattened from side to side, so the slightest breeze sets the leaf trembling.

Is Aspen native to Britain?

Yes. It is the only Poplar in our range that is native.

How big and how fast does it grow?

Well over 12 metres tall and 8 metres across in time, and it grows very fast.

How close to a house can you plant Aspen?

Not close. The roots are vigorous, so keep it well away from buildings and give it open ground.

Does Aspen sucker?

It can, freely. Cut out any suckers that are in the way in autumn or winter. In a woodland or shelter belt they simply thicken the planting.

Can you use it for hedging?

No. It is not a plant for a clipped hedge. Use it as a screen, a shelter belt or a woodland tree.

When are the plants delivered?

Bareroot only, from November to April, while the plants are dormant. You can order at any time of year and your plants are lifted and sent once the season opens.