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Description
Populus Grandidentata, commonly known as the bigtooth aspen, is a deciduous tree in the Salicaceae family. It is native to eastern North America, from Ontario and Quebec in Canada to Georgia and Alabama in the United States. The tree can grow up to 60 feet tall with a trunk diameter of up to 2 feet. It is known for its distinctive leaves, which are large and toothed, with a shiny green color on the top and a pale green color on the bottom. The bark of the tree is gray and smooth when young, becoming dark and rough with age. The tree produces small flowers in the spring, followed by small fruits that release cottony seeds in the summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Populus |
Appearance
The bigtooth aspen has a tall, slender trunk with smooth, gray bark. Its leaves are large, up to 6 inches long and 4 inches wide, with toothed edges and a shiny green color on the top. The underside of the leaves is a pale green color. The tree produces small flowers in the spring, which are not particularly showy, followed by small fruits that release cottony seeds in the summer. The bigtooth aspen is known for its brilliant yellow color in the fall, making it a popular choice for landscaping.
Care Guide
To care for a bigtooth aspen, it is important to provide it with adequate water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and appropriate hardiness zones. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8. It benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches.
Common Pests & Diseases
The bigtooth aspen is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including leaf spot, canker, rust, and aphids. Leaf spot is characterized by circular spots on the leaves and can be prevented by providing adequate air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Canker is a fungal disease that causes sunken areas on the bark and can be prevented by pruning infected branches. Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or yellow spots on the leaves and can be prevented by removing infected leaves. Aphids are small insects that can cause deformities in the leaves and can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
The bigtooth aspen is native to eastern North America, from Ontario and Quebec in Canada to Georgia and Alabama in the United States. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. The tree is commonly found in forests, along riverbanks, and in wetlands.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the bigtooth aspen a good choice for landscaping?
A: Yes, the bigtooth aspen is a popular choice for landscaping due to its brilliant yellow color in the fall.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the bigtooth aspen?
A: The bigtooth aspen is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Q: What is the best time to prune a bigtooth aspen?
A: Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches.
Q: What is leaf spot?
A: Leaf spot is a fungal disease characterized by circular spots on the leaves.
Related Plants
- Populus Tremuloides
- Populus Grandifolia
- Populus Nigra
References
- “Populus Grandidentata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 10 June 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287586&isprofile=0&=">
- “Populus Grandidentata.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed 10 June 2021. <https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=POGR4>
- “Bigtooth Aspen.” Arbor Day Foundation. Accessed 10 June 2021. <https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=884>
