The light seeds are dispersed long distances by wind. Germination rates high. Seeds germinate under a wide range of temperatures as long as there is sufficient moisture. They will even germinate when submerged in water. Despite high seed production and high germination rates, seedling establishment is uncommon.
Few seedlings reach more than a few inches in height.
Bare moist soil free of competition is necessary for seedling establishment. Most Bigtooth Aspen forests regenerate vegetatively. When the parent tree is killed or the soil is heated, suckers develop from extensive, shallow lateral roots. A sucker grows 3'-6' the first year, considerably more than a seedling. After a mature stand is destroyed by fire or logging, roots may produce 3,200 to 24,000 suckers per acre.