Quaking aspen is distributed fairly continuously in the East. Distribution is patchy in the West, with trees confined to suitable sites. Quaking aspen is a major cover type in North America. In Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Utah, quaking aspen occupies more land than any other forest type. Quaking aspen also occurs in a large number of other forest cover types over its extensive range.
Quaking aspen is common in mixed conifer forests of New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
Quaking aspen is listed as a dominant species in over 100 habitat, plant community, and vegetation typings. Alaska - Bebb willow and roses are also associated with quaking aspen in Alaska. Quaking aspen grows through the Douglas hawthorn overstory, resulting in reduced vigor of Douglas hawthorn. West - The herbaceous component of quaking aspen communities in the West is too diverse to list.