Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood)

Frequently asked questions

Is Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood) good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood) is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Trees With Potential" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.

How big does Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood) get?

It matures to about 20–50 ft tall and 10–30 ft wide.

How much room does Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood) need?

Give Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood) about 30 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.

What shape does Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood) grow into?

Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood) typically grows into an upright-oval crown, taller than it is wide. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.

Is Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood) hardy on the Front Range?

Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood) is hardy in USDA 1–6. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: Aspen is a mountain native; down on the plains it is heat, sunscald, and borers that hurt it, not winter cold, so this is an elevation mismatch.

How much water does Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood) need?

It needs medium water once established.

How fast does Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood) grow?

Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood) is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.

How long does Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood) live?

Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood) is relatively short-lived for a tree, so plan to replace it sooner than a long-lived shade tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.

What color does Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood) turn in fall?

Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood) turns gold and yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.

Is Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood) native to Colorado?

Yes. It is a Colorado native.

Is Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood) deer-resistant?

Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood) is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.

Is Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood) a good firewise plant near the house?

Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood) is suitable in defensible-space zones 2–3, best kept back from the house rather than in the area right against the structure. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.

Is Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood) prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?

Quaking Aspen Poplar (cottonwood) can be affected by cytospora canker and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.