Aspen Poplar (Populus tremula)

A decidious Tree growing to 18m by 10m at a fast rate. It is in flower from February to March, and the seeds ripen from May to June. The flowers are dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required) and are pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. A very fast growing and wind resistant tree, it can be planted to provide a shelterbelt[11, 24]. Trees can also be planted to improve heavy clay soils in neglected woodlands. A very easily grown plant, it does well in a heavy cold damp soil[1], preferring a neutral to acid soil, and avoiding calcareous soils. The species generally prefers a deep rich well-drained circumneutral soil, growing best in the south and east of Britain[11, 200]. Growth is much less on wet soils, on poor acid soils and on thin dry soils[11]. This species grows well on poor soils, probably because of its intolerance of competition[186]. Plants are very tolerant of exposure[24], doing well in cold exposed sites so long as sufficient moisture is present. Plants dislike shade[186], and are intolerant of root or branch competition[200]. A fast growing tree but it is short-lived[186]. Trees produce suckers freely and can form dense thickets[186]. The aspen is a very good wildlife plant, it has over 90 associated insect species[24] and is a food plant for the green hairstreak butterfly[186]. Poplars have very extensive and aggressive root systems that can invade and damage drainage systems. Especially when grown on clay soils, they should not be planted within 12 metres of buildings since the root system can damage the building's foundations by drying out the soil[11]. Can be planted to improve heavy clay soils in neglected woodlands[200]. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.