Populus (tremuloides)
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Larry LaFleur Nursery Manager Coast to Coast Reforestation 8657-51 Ave. Suite 200 Edmonton, Alberta T6E 68A 780-686-2431 http://www.wetlandplantnursery.com |
| Family Scientific Name: | Salicaceae | ||
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| Family Common Name: | Willow Family | ||
| Scientific Name: | Populus tremuloides L. | ||
| Common Name: | Aspen | ||
| Species Code: | POPTRE | ||
| Ecotype: | Alberta | ||
| General Distribution: | P. tremuloides is the most widely distributed tree species in North America and is found from Alaska across Canada to Newfoundland and south to Virginia. It isfound throughout the western United States south to northern Mexico. | ||
| Propagation Goal: | plants | ||
| Propagation Method: | vegetative | ||
| ProductType: | Container (plug) | ||
| Stock Type: | Containerized Plugs | ||
| Time To Grow: | 12 Months | ||
| Target Specifications: | Height: N/A<br> Caliper: N/A<br> Root System: Firm Plug in styroblock container. | ||
| Propagule Collection: | We use a well established nursery stock plant growing in a 3L (1 gallon) container as the propagule for increasing aspen plugs. | ||
| Propagule Processing: |
Once the stock plant has roots growing out of the bottom of the container, we remove the bottom of the container and place it over a styroblock with multiple cells. We prefer to use the shallow styroblocks such as the 410 block. Before you place the stock plant over the styroblock, fill the cavities to the overflow point with growing medium leaving approximately 2.5 cm (1 in) of medium on top of the block. Place the stock plant over the block and secure with plastic sheeting(white side up)and secure a tight fir around the pot. |
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| Growing Area Preparation/ Annual Practices for Perennial Crops: |
Aspen propagules are increased in a climate controlled greenhouse. | ||
| Establishment Phase: | Roots will grow down through all the cells of the styroblock. Once roots emerge at the bottom of the block, we add another block underneath filled with medium. | ||
| Active Growth Phase: |
We have stacked up to 6 or 7 styroblocks in a single season using this method. Stacked stryoblocks can be difficult to irrigate. The simplest method is to secure the blocks together and submerge them in a tank of water until completely saturated. |
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| Hardening Phase: | At the end of the growing season, trays are separted by using a sharp knife. Plugs can be extracted from the cavities or left in the styroblock trays. | ||
| Harvesting, Storage and Shipping: |
Extracted plugs or the entire styroblock trays are placed into cooler storage for the winter months. We have successfully stored both extracted plugs or entire blocks. |
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| Other Comments: |
The follwoing year, extracted plugs can be divided and potted separately to further multiply the clone. We have propagated up to 1000 plugs from a single seedling stock plant in one growing season using this method. |
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Citation:
LaFleur, Larry. 2003. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Populus tremuloides L. plants Containerized Plugs; Coast to Coast Reforestation Edmonton, Alberta. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2025/02/24). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.
