Swedish Upright, Upright Aspen, Upright Quaking Aspen

Populus tremula Erecta is an upright form of Aspen that was discovered in a Swedish Woodland. Hence, it has been known as the Swedish Aspen or Swedish Upright.

The leaves of this pretty tree are almost round, with a wavy margin that gives them attractive ornamental appeal. In spring, following the display of catkins, they appear coppery. The leaves have a lighter-coloured underside and are presented on a flat petiole, which causes them to rustle distinctively in the wind. In autumn, the foliage turns yellow through to orange-red in an array of attractive patterns.

As its name suggests, Populus tremula Erecta has a tightly columnar shape, which it maintains well into maturity and requires very little maintenance. It is fast-growing and forms a tall tree with limited spread. It is tolerant of most soil types, including clay and soil with a tendency for waterlogging. 

This tree is a great substitute for the widely planted Lombardy Poplar. It offers similar characteristics in its crown shape and growth with the added bonus of more ornamental qualities. 

It is a fabulous tree to give architectural structure to avenues and can be used for boundary division on estates and farmland. 

Whilst it would be best not to consider this tree as a garden tree, as it will grow very tall, it does have the potential for screening tall, slender objects such as telegraph poles. 

Mature Height: 17-22m

Common names

Swedish Upright, Upright Aspen, Upright Quaking Aspen

Height of tree

17-22m

Soil type

Wet, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Narrow

Good for waterlogged soil

Yes

Information Flags

Good for bees

Looks good in

Autumn

Location

Parkland, Avenue, Coastal, Wetland

Genus

Populus