Aspen, Quaking

Populus tremuloides

Familiar native of Montana mountains.
The smooth greenish-white bark becomes more chalky white as the tree matures.  Round, green foliage is small and moves in the slightest breeze; the leaves of aspens have a flat petiole (the stalk that connects the blade of the leaf with the branch) causing them to flutter easily.
Fall color is beautiful yellow; the brilliant golden yellow contrasts well with adjacent evergreens and the white bark of the aspen itself. .
Natural clumps occur from root sprouts.
Often planted in clumps.
Very fast rate of growth.
Grows narrow and pyramidal when young; narrow and rounded crown at maturity.  Likes plenty of water.  Excellent for naturalizing.
Often available both single- and multi-stemmed.