Quaking aspen

Populus tremuloides Michx.

Family: Salicaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

The sources we use do not describe a hazard to people.

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

ASPCA index has no quaking aspen page. Do not treat as pet-safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 1a-6b per NC State Plant Toolbox (NC State: generally does not grow south of zone 6); zones 3-7 per Utah State Extension
Light: Very shade intolerant per Utah State.
Water needs: moderate moderate is a plain-language reading of NC State: drainage good, moist or occasionally wet and resistant to wet soil; thrives in rocky soils at high mountain elevation to clay or sandy loams lower down. Always finger-test two inches down.
Mature size: NC State: 40-50 ft tall and 20-30 ft wide; rapid growth; short-lived

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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