Growth Rate: Fast, 12’’ to 36” per year

Unique Features: Though Quaking Aspens can reproduce by seed they are primarily a clonal plant and the groves occurring at higher altitudes are a single organism (some of the largest in the world).  Aspens are adaptable and one of the most widely distributed tree species but if they are not growing in their optimal high altitude environment their lifespan is shorter, about 15 years in our area.  At that time the tree can be 30’+ tall and have a 10’’ trunk diameter.  In nature Aspens are a transitional species and that can be mimicked by planting slower growing longer lived tree with the Aspens.  Then when the Aspens are done there is something to take their place.