treeN. America Native

Summer Shimmer Aspen

Populus 'Klaus Select'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

420 inches

Width

216 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium

Humidity

Prefers lower humidity

Lifespan

Short-lived (20-40 years in cultivation)

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Populus tremuloides, or Quaking Aspen, is a deciduous tree famous for its leaves that tremble in the slightest breeze. It has smooth, pale bark, brilliant golden-yellow fall color, and typically spreads by root suckers to form clonal groves. 'Klaus Select' (Summer Shimmer) is a cultivar selected for its improved resistance to bronze leaf disease and leaf spot, as well as its more uniform, pyramidal to oval shape. It maintains the classic shimmering leaves and bright fall color of the species.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Highly valued for its unique quaking leaves that create sound and motion in the garden. It offers brilliant golden-yellow fall color and smooth, white bark that provides striking winter interest.

Its fast growth rate can provide quick screening or shade, though it is a short-lived tree. It is best used in informal, naturalistic settings where its suckering habit is not a problem.

A keystone species in many North American forests. It is a larval host for numerous butterflies and moths, including the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. The buds are a key food source for grouse, and the bark is eaten by beavers, porcupines, and rabbits.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site in full sun with cool, well-drained soil.
Avoid hot, dry locations or heavy, compacted clay.
Dig a wide, shallow hole, no deeper than the root ball.
Plant the tree at the same depth it was in its container.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Mulch the root zone to keep soil cool and moist.

Pro Tip

Do not plant near septic systems or foundations, as the root system is aggressive and suckering. Best for larger, naturalistic landscapes.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially in warmer climates.
Allow space for potential root suckers to emerge.
Plant in a location with good air movement.
Enjoy the sound and motion of the leaves.

Don't

Don't plant in the hot and humid Southeast, where it struggles with heat stress.
Avoid wounding the thin bark, which can provide an entry point for pests and diseases.
Don't amend the backfill soil heavily; use native soil.
Don't plant in a small, formal garden.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Graceful vertical accentNaturalistic grove plantingFast-growing screen for quick effect

Companion Plants

Amelanchier alnifolia Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Juniperus horizontalis Schizachyrium scoparium Festuca idahoensis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Summer Shimmer Aspen questions

What zones can Summer Shimmer Aspen grow in?

Summer Shimmer Aspen is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Summer Shimmer Aspen deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Summer Shimmer Aspen, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Summer Shimmer Aspen bloom?

Summer Shimmer Aspen typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Summer Shimmer Aspen need full sun?

Summer Shimmer Aspen does best in full sun (6+ hours).