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Bigtooth aspen

Populus grandidentata

Last reviewed: October 2026

Bigtooth aspen (Populus grandidentata) is a perennial tree native to CT, DC, DE, IA and 21 more states. It blooms in March and April.

Bigtooth aspen (Populus grandidentata)
Photo: (c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Bigtooth aspen (Populus grandidentata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

360"–960" H × 240"–360" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr

Native to

CT, DC, DE, IA and 21 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Picture natives in your own yard

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

PiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

A fast-growing deciduous tree with large, coarsely toothed leaves that flutter in the breeze and turn gold in fall. Spreads readily by root suckers to form colonies, drops branches in storms, and is relatively short-lived, giving it an unkempt look in a small front yard.

Growing Bigtooth aspen

Grow Bigtooth aspen in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 360 to 960 inches tall and spread 240 to 360 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for eastern tiger swallowtail, viceroy, mourning cloak.

An important larval host plant for eastern tiger swallowtail, viceroy, and mourning cloak butterflies, and its early catkins provide pollen for bees.

Common questions

How much sun does Bigtooth aspen need?
Bigtooth aspen grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Bigtooth aspen bloom?
Bigtooth aspen blooms in March and April.
Where is Bigtooth aspen native?
Bigtooth aspen (Populus grandidentata) is native to CT, DC, DE, IA and 21 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Bigtooth aspen host?
Bigtooth aspen is a larval host plant for eastern tiger swallowtail, viceroy, and mourning cloak.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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