European aspen
VU

European aspen

Populus tremula

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Populus_tremula

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

European aspen faces significant decline across its range due to intensive forest management practices that favor monoculture plantations over natural mixed forests. Climate change poses an additional threat through increased drought stress and altered precipitation patterns, particularly affecting the species' shallow root system. Browsing pressure from overabundant deer populations prevents natural regeneration in many areas, while habitat fragmentation limits genetic diversity and colonization of suitable sites.

Threat summary

Habitat

European aspen inhabits a wide range of forest ecosystems from boreal to temperate zones, thriving in disturbed areas, forest edges, and clearings where it can access full sunlight. The species colonizes sites through extensive root suckering, forming distinctive clonal groves in areas with well-drained soils and adequate moisture.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

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VU

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Xylosma schaefferioides

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EN

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Frequently asked questions

Why is European aspen classified as Vulnerable?
European aspen is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. European aspen faces significant decline across its range due to intensive forest management practices that favor monoculture plantations over natural mixed forests. Climate change poses an additional threat through increased drought stress and altered precipitation patterns, particularly affecting the species' shallow root system. Browsing pressure from overabundant deer populations prevents natural regeneration in many areas, while habitat fragmentation limits genetic diversity and colonization of suitable sites.
Where does European aspen live?
European aspen occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to European aspen?
The main threats to European aspen are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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