What are the different types of aspen trees?
Some of the most common ones are as follows: Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) Korean Aspen (Populus davidiana) Common/European Aspen (Populus tremula) Japanese Aspen (Populus sieboldii) Chinese Aspen (Populus adenopoda) Bigtooth Aspen (Populus grandidentata)
Where do aspens grow in the US?
Aspen trees have a unique spreading root system that produces new clone trees. You can find aspens growing as far north as Alaska and as far south as Mexico. The quaking aspen is the most widely distributed tree in the US. Quaking aspen is a tall, straight tree that has thin, rounded leaves that always rustle in even slight breezes.
How tall do aspen trees grow?
These deciduous trees are mostly medium-sized aspens growing to heights of 49 to 98 ft. Some of these aspen types are identified by their unique characteristics, like the fluttering and trembling of the leaves of the Populus tremuloides trees in soft breezes.
Are all aspens part of the same organism?
In fact, if you see several aspens growing near each other, odds are good that they’re actually all parts of the same organism. These root systems are a fascinating element of the aspen tree.
Are all aspen trees the same?
Aspen trees go by several different names: trembling aspen, golden aspen, quiver-leaf aspen, small-toothed aspen, Canadian aspen, quakie, and popple. Aspen is the only transcontinental broadleaf tree growing from Newfoundland to California and Mexico.
Is there a difference between aspen and quaking aspen?
Bigtooth aspen can reach heights of 60 to 80 feet, while the quaking aspen is typically closer to 50 feet. Even the root systems differ; bigtooth aspen roots are shallow and spreading, while quaking aspen roots can extend downward over 10 feet.
What's another name for an aspen tree?
Populus tremuloides is a deciduous tree native to cooler areas of North America, one of several species referred to by the common name aspen. It is commonly called quaking aspen, trembling aspen, American aspen, mountain or golden aspen, trembling poplar, white poplar, and popple, as well as others.
What is the oldest living aspen tree?
Pando: The One-Tree Forest of Quaking Aspen Pando, the 47,000-tree clonal colony of male* quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) in Utah is thought to be one of the world's oldest living organisms—the root system of Pando is an estimated 80,000 years old.
Is aspen a good firewood?
Some deciduous trees also don't make good firewood. Aspen, basswood and willow trees all have very soft wood of generally poor quality for burning and producing heat. That said, this wood is a little better than that of most coniferous trees because it doesn't spark as much.
Is a poplar tree the same as an aspen?
Members of this group of trees may be called cottonwoods, poplars, or aspens, depending on what species they are. None-the-less, they are all members of the same genus, Populus.
Is aspen wood good for anything?
It can be sawn into studs for construction lumber under National Lumber Grades Authority rules, and there is interest in producing it for millwork. Indigenous peoples have many uses for aspen, including medicine, food and a source of poles, canoe paddles and bowls.
How long do aspen trees live?
Aspen trees usually do not live more than 150 years, though they may persist more than 200 years. It grows on many soil types, especially sandy and gravelly slopes, and is quick to pioneer disturbed sites where there is bare soil.
What does the aspen tree symbolize?
Since times of old, the Aspen was seen as a tree of HEROES. “Aspis” is the Greek name for Aspen. It means “shield.” The Greeks thought it had magical powers and protective qualities. Its leaves were used in the crowns of heroes.
What is the strongest tree in the world?
Australian Buloke – 5,060 IBF. An ironwood tree that is native to Australia, this wood comes from a species of tree occurring across most of Eastern and Southern Australia. Known as the hardest wood in the world, this particular type has a Janka hardness of 5,060 lbf.
What is the oldest known tree on Earth?
The story: In eastern California, a Great Basin bristlecone pine known as Methuselah has long been considered Earth's oldest living thing. According to tree-ring data, it is 4,853 years old — meaning that Methuselah was well established by time ancient Egyptians built the pyramids at Giza.
What was the first tree on Earth?
The first "tree" appears during the Devonian period, between 350 and 420 million years ago. This Progymnosperm is called Archaeopteris. Its wood resembles that of conifers, its trunk is thick, and it can reach up to 50 m. But it reproduces with spores, much like ferns.
Why are they called quaking aspens?
The leaves attach to branches via a long and flattened petiole, so that even the slightest breeze causes the leaves to flutter. This gives the overall tree the appearance that it is quaking or trembling - hence the common name Quaking Aspen and the scientific name's specific epithet - tremuloides.
What is so special about quaking aspen?
Admirers frequently note the striking white bark of quaking aspen. This bark lives and carries out photosynthesis, attributes that make it unique among North American trees and likely contribute to its impressive geographic range (Figure 1). The white bark is living tissue, unique among North American trees.
How do you identify a quaking aspen?
0:232:08Identifying quaking (trembling) aspen - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe bark on quaking or trembling aspen can be green or it can be a bright white but unlike paperMoreThe bark on quaking or trembling aspen can be green or it can be a bright white but unlike paper birch the bark will not peel. Off. The color changes in response. To maybe the cultivar that it is or
Should I plant a quaking aspen in my yard?
Some gardeners love them, some do not. Aspen trees grow very quickly and are very hardy. That means that you can “furnish” a new backyard in just a few seasons if you plant aspens. Aspens are small and won't overwhelm your yard, and sometimes they provide nice autumn color.
What is the most common aspen tree in North America?
Aspen trees are medium-sized deciduous trees with rough gray-white bark and large round leaves with toothed margins. The quaking aspen ( Populus tremuloides) and bigtooth aspen ( Populus grandidentata) are the most common aspen trees in North America. Aspen trees have a unique spreading root system that produces new clone trees.
Where do aspen trees grow?
Aspen trees typically grow among coniferous trees in North America. Aspen trees are cold-hardy trees that thrive in USDA zones 2 through 8. You will often find smaller aspen trees growing alongside large, mature aspens as the tree suckers sprout up from roots.
What is the bark of an aspen tree?
Aspen tree bark is smooth and greenish-white when mature and becomes rough and fissured as the tree grows. Closeup pictures of aspen bark show that it’s relatively thin with horizontal splits and black bumpy patches. The silvery-white look of aspen trees makes them easy to mistake for white birch trees.
What is the difference between a big tooth aspen and a quaking aspen?
The differences in leaf shape of native aspen trees help identify individual species. For example, the quaking aspen tree has leaf margins with fine teeth . However, the bigtooth aspen tree has larger, more spaced teeth making the leaf look jaggy.
What is the most widely distributed tree in the US?
The quaking aspen is the most widely distributed tree in the US. Quaking aspen is a tall, straight tree that has thin, rounded leaves that always rustle in even slight breezes. This action makes the aspen trees quake or tremble. The related European trembling aspen tree ( Populus tremula) also has a quaking behavior.
How tall do aspens grow?
Aspens trees have fast growth rate and can increase in height around 2 ft. (60 cm) per year.
Why do aspens rustle?
The quaking appearance and rustling noise of aspen trees are due to the leaves. The short, flattened stems are attached at right angles to the flat leaf. The growth habit causes even in the slightest of breezes to make aspens quake. This leaf action makes a gentle, calming rustling sound.
What is an aspen tree?
Printer Friendly Version. Image by hookmedia. Aspen trees are a popular addition to landscapes in Canada and the northern parts of the United States. The trees are beautiful with white bark and leaves that turn a striking shade of yellow in the autumn, but they can be finicky in a few different ways. Keep reading to learn more aspen tree ...
How old are aspens?
They allow the trees to survive forest fires and other aboveground problems. One aspen tree colony in Utah is thought to be over 80,000 years old.
How old are aspen trees in Utah?
One aspen tree colony in Utah is thought to be over 80,000 years old. When you’re growing aspen trees in landscapes, however, you probably don’t want a colony that puts up new suckers all the time.
What are some common names for aspen trees?
The scientific names of the Aspens found in the UK and US are different, but they are often both known by the same common names such as, plain old Aspen, Quaking Aspen, Trembling Aspen, Common Aspen.
Where can I find Aspen trees?
When I hear the name Aspen I usually think of the beautiful winter colours that Aspen tree creates in the United States, however, Aspens with their fluttery leaves can be found in both the UK and the US.
What are the fruits or seeds?
Aspens are dioecious, meaning that they have both male and female flowers. The flowers grow as catkins in March and April.
Why do aspen trees have white bark?
The bark on the narrow trunks is a smooth greenish white. Interestingly the bark contains chlorophyll, so even though the aspen loses it leaves in autumn, it can still continue to grow. This is probably why it has evolved to prefer the unshaded spots to allow an increased amount of light in winter.
What color are the leaves of aspen?
As a result, in the autumn (fall) the leaves will turn a beautiful shade of yellow. This is usually the only time it Is possible to recognise the different clones of aspen within a forest. Each colony will turn yellow as one in addition to having its own unique shade of yellow.
Why do aspens turn yellow?
Aspens are deciduous, loosing their leaves in winter. As a result, in the autumn (fall) the leaves will turn a beautiful shade of yellow. This is usually the only time it Is possible ...
How to tell if an aspen tree is a single tree?
The easiest way to determine if you are looking at an aspen is that it is unlikely to be a single tree, they will be in a stand (clone). Depending on the time of year it will be firstly, from the shape of their leave, secondly, the autumn colours or thirdly, the tube like white trunks of the clone.
Quaking Aspen Tree
Quaking Aspen, scientifically referred to as "Popular tremuloides," is among the most popular type of aspen trees. They are also called trembling aspen trees because they tremble or flutter on windy days and sometimes even in a light breeze.
Chinese Aspen Tree
As it can be guessed from the name, the Chinese Aspen "Populus Adenopada" is native to China. Moreover, China's mountains are home to many of these aspen varieties.
European Aspen Tree
The "Populus Tremula," more commonly known as European Aspen, is one of the most geographically diverse and spotted varieties of aspen trees. Native to Northwestern Europe, Siberia, and Africa, this aspen has spread globally to Japan and the Arctic region.
Korean Aspen Tree
Known by the scientific name of "Populus Davidian," the Korean aspen tree originated in Asia. They are characterized by their flourishing foliage that creates a circular crown.
Bigtooth Aspen Tree
"Populus Grandidentata" or the Bigtooth Aspen (also referred to as Largetooth Aspen and American Aspen) is native to North-Central America and Southeastern Canada. They are not as geographically well spread as the Quaker and European Aspen and are also less adaptable.
Japanese Aspen Tree
Japanese Aspen trees, also known by the scientific name "Populus Sieboldii," are aspen trees that are famous for their oval-shaped leaves with pointy ends that make up their beautiful foliage.
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Editor: Rick Worst Rick is a home design consultant and enthusiast, whose life is consumed by all things home and garden. Started as a hobby, Worst Room has grown into an information and inspiration wheelhouse for professionals and home owners alike. Rick serves as owner and editor for our many content contributors.
How tall are aspen trees?
They are all medium-sized deciduous trees reaching 15–30 m (50–100 ft) tall.
Where do aspens grow?
Aspen trees near Crested Butte, Colorado. Aspens typically grow in environments that are otherwise dominated by coniferous tree species, and which are often lacking other large deciduous tree species. Aspens have evolved several adaptations that aid their survival in such environments.
How do aspens spread?
Most aspens grow in large clonal colonies, derived from a single seedling, and spread by means of root suckers; new stems in the colony may appear at up to 30–40 m (100–130 ft) from the parent tree.
Why do aspens grow in fire?
Aspens have increased in popularity as a forestry cultivation species, mostly because of their fast growth rate and ability to regenerate from sprouts.
What is the function of aspen bark?
In contrast with many trees, aspen bark is base-rich, meaning aspens are important hosts for bryophytes and act as food plants for the larvae of butterfly ( Lepidoptera) species—see List of Lepidoptera that feed on poplars .
Why do aspen trees quake?
In North America, the aspen is referred to as quaking aspen or trembling aspen because the leaves "quake" or tremble in the wind. This is due to their flattened petioles which reduces aerodynamic drag on the trunk and branches. Aspen trees near Crested Butte, Colorado. Aspens typically grow in environments that are otherwise dominated by coniferous ...
What is aspen wood used for?
It has a number of uses, notably for making matches and paper where its low flammability makes it safer to use than most other woods. Shredded aspen wood is used for packing and stuffing, sometimes called excelsior (wood wool).
Where are aspen trees found?
An aspen tree is the most widely distributed tree species in North America, ranging from Alaska to Newfoundland and down the Rocky Mountains to Mexico. Interestingly, Utah and Colorado is home to the largest portion of the natural acreage of aspen in the world. Aspen trees are described as an all-important and community-dependent "keystone species" ...
What is an aspen tree?
Aspen trees are described as an all-important and community-dependent "keystone species" within its natural range. Aspen trees are the most visible of western North American hardwoods providing understory biodiversity, wildlife habitat, livestock forage, specialty forest products, and highly desirable scenery. 2. of 5.
What diseases are common in aspen trees?
Fungal diseases, such as Cytospora or other cankers which attack the trunk, are common, as are diseases of the foliage such as rusts, or leaf spots. Of the many insects that attack urban plantings of aspen, oystershell scale, aphids and aspen twig gall fly are most prevalent.".
What is the name of the tree that grows on sandy slopes?
Description and Identification of an Aspen Tree. Common names of the tree are trembling aspen, golden aspen, quiver-leaf aspen, small-toothed aspen, Canadian aspen, quakie and popple. The habitat of Aspen trees occurs in pure stands on sandy, gravelly slopes. Aspen is the only transcontinental broadleaf tree growing from Newfoundland ...
Where is the largest quaking aspen tree in Michigan?
The largest known quaking aspen is in Ontonagon County at the western end of upper Michigan. It is 109 feet (32.7m) tall and more than 3 feet (.09m) in diameter...". "Aspen tree seed is difficult to deal with because of its small size and perishable nature.
Where does Aspen grow?
Aspen is the only transcontinental broadleaf tree growing from Newfoundland to California and Mexico. Aspen is often associated with the Douglas fir timber type and is a pioneer tree after fires and logging. The tree has the most wind-sensitive leaf of any broadleaf species.
Where can I find Quaking Aspen?
Quaking aspen is also found in the mountains of Mexico, as far south as Guanajuato. Worldwide, only Populus tremula, European aspen, and Pinus sylvestris, Scotch pine, have wider natural ranges. Forest Types of North America.
How tall do aspen trees grow?
In good situations, aspen can reach a height of twenty metres, but in most locations in the Highlands it will only grow to about ten metres tall. The bark is grey, or sometimes greenish-grey. (It can actually photosynthesize through its bark!) It is either smooth or in some cases pitted with diamond-shaped lenticels.
How long do aspen trees live?
As in other pioneer species, an individual tree is short-lived, surviving for perhaps only 50-100 years.
What is the shape of the leaves on an aspen tree?
Aspen has a distinctive branching pattern, which is most visible in winter when the tree is leafless. In mature trees the topmost branches are often bent over horizontally. Aspen leaves are round, measuring between 2.5 and 6 cm across. They have irregular blunt teeth on their margins.
Why are aspen trees not flowering in Scotland?
However, flowering and seed production by aspen rarely occur in Scotland. The reasons for this are not fully understood, but it restricts the scope for pollination between male and female trees. Our oceanic climate may be the cause, but it is also possible that aspen clones become less fertile as they age, and many stands could be very old. As woodland has become more fragmented it has less chance of reproducing even when it does flower. This leads to a lack of young trees.
What are the leaves of an aspen?
On young aspen suckers, or ramets, the leaves are usually elongated and triangular in shape. The leaf stalks, or petioles, of aspen are flattened and very flexible near the leaf blade. This gives rise to the characteristic fluttering of its leaves in the slightest breeze.
Why are aspen trees important?
Aspen is an important tree for biodiversity. There are a lot of organisms that use aspen and some of them depend on it completely. Young aspen shoots are a food source for caterpillars of the rare dark-bordered beauty moth. There are also a range of deadwood-dependent insects that rely on old decaying aspen. These include the endangered aspen hoverfly. This suite of insects needs aspen stands of over 4.5 hectares to remain viable.
What is the name of the tree that is a rare feature of the Caledonian Forest?
Aspen (Populus tremula) is characterised by its shimmering foliage in summer, the aspen tree is a beautiful but rare feature of the Caledonian Forest. Distribution. Physical Characteristics.
What is the name of the aspen tree?from canr.msu.edu
Aspen consists of two main species — quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) and bigtooth aspen (Populus grandidentata). Other members of the genus include balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) and cottonwood (Populus deltoides), but these are not major elements of the aspen forest type. Both quaking and bigtooth aspens have flat leaf stems that easily flutter in a light breeze. Bark is light colored, and the trees are often mistaken for paper birch. Quaking aspen begins to decline by age 50 to 60; earlier on poorer sites. Bigtooth aspen tends to grow on better sites and will last a decade or two longer. Trees might grow to 100 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet in diameter, although most trees don’t reach this size.
What species of wildlife are in aspen?from canr.msu.edu
Of course, landowners have a variety of potential objectives. Other game species favoring aspen include whitetailed deer, woodcock, bear and snowshoe hare.
What are the diseases that affect aspen trees?from canr.msu.edu
Aspen is a supermarket for insects, diseases and wildlife. This is part of the nature of aspen. A few of the more prominent damaging agents are forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria), large aspen tortrix (Choristoneura conflictana), Saperda borers (Saperda spp.), gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), conks (Phellinus tremulae et al.), root rot (Armillaria mellea et al.), Hypoxylon canker (Hypoxylon mammatum), Cytospora canker (Cytospora chrysosperma) and Ceratocystis canker (Ceratocystis spp.). Many other insects and diseases affect aspen. Most of these are natural stand thinning agents. Defoliators (leaf eaters) such as forest tent caterpillar and gypsy moth seldom kill trees but do contribute to growth loss. Beaver, white-tailed deer and yellow-bellied sapsuckers are some of the common wildlife that feed on aspen. Small clear cuts may not regenerate in areas with high deer pressure, especially close to deer yarding areas. Deer tend not to stray far from a forest edge, so regeneration in the center of large clear cuts will be somewhat protected from deer browsing. Aspen along creeks are vulnerable to flooding and feeding by beaver.
How long do quaking aspens last?from canr.msu.edu
Quaking aspen begins to decline by age 50 to 60; earlier on poorer sites. Bigtooth aspen tends to grow on better sites and will last a decade or two longer.
How do aspen trees survive?from canr.msu.edu
Survival strategy is to aggressively reproduce, grow fast, live a short time and die a quick death. Aspen trees are very intolerant of shade and cannot reproduce in shade, even the shade of their own canopy. Young aspen stands are dominated by aspen species, but the forest type is one of the most diverse in Michigan, especially at the regional level. The most common Michigan associates of aspen are red maple, white pine, balsam fir and paper birch.1 Though huge amounts of seed are produced every four to five years — so much seed that it often resembles light snow — reproduction is more often achieved through root suckers, which usually sprout prolifically following the death of the parent. These sprouts are clones — genetically identical to the parent plant — and are connected through the roots. Trees are typically either male or female. As dense sucker stands mature, aspen naturally thins itself. Trees that are outcompeted by surrounding trees soon die. As aspen stands thin and reach maturity, other tree species appear in the understory. They were either present all along, mixed with the abundant aspen, or entered the stand from a nearby seed source at some time. These longer lived understory trees represent the type that a particular stand will become if the stand remains undisturbed. The most common successional paths lead to balsam fir, northern hardwood, white pine and oak stands.
What is aspen in Michigan?from canr.msu.edu
Aspen provides some of the best habitat for Michigan’s favorite game species, such as ruffed grouse and woodcock, as well as a host of non-game species. Many wood products are manufactured from aspen, which is processed into pulp for papermaking and chips for oriented-strand board. Aspen is one of Michigan’s most versatile and utilitarian forest types. Areas of controversy are the necessity of clearcutting for regeneration and the desirable amount of aspen in the Great Lakes states.
Why are aspen trees declining?from canr.msu.edu
Aspen acreage is now declining throughout much of the Great Lakes states because of natural succession. Michigan lost nearly a half-million acres of aspen forest type between 1980 and 2009. The desired amount of aspen is highly controversial.
How long has aspen been around?
Aspen has existed in North America for at least a million years. Therefore, it is no wonder so many wildlife species depend on aspen during some point of their life.
Why are aspen trees important?
It is the species that Minnesota’s pulp, paper and engineered wood industries use the most, and by a large margin. Aspen forests are also important wildlife habitat . Aspen stands provide food and shelter for deer, bear, marten, songbirds and many other species.
Why is aspen important to ruffed grouse?
Aspen is important to me because it is so important for woodcock and ruffed grouse. Iconic as a habitat species, aspen is a key food source for ruffed grouse in autumn and when snow carpets for the forest floor.
How did aspen forests change Minnesota?
When I view Minnesota’s aspen forests I see them through a lens that begins before European settlement and focuses far into the future. Aspen was always present in Minnesota but it was nowhere as abundant as it is today. Aspen existed in the parklands of the northwest and in small patches elsewhere, but it didn’t take off until European settlement changed the landscape in two significant ways. First, for a brief time, wildfires became more common, following widespread timber harvest and slash-and-burn agriculture. Second, wildfires became far less frequent because there was a need to suppress them.
What is the best tree for woodcock?
When I am scouting new areas to hunt I am always on the lookout for aspen. Aspen stands that look almost impenetrable are the best. In general, trees that have the diameter of a Ping-Pong ball are better-suited for woodcock while trees that have the diameter of a softball are better-suited for grouse.
Why won't aspen trees grow back?
Aspen won’t do well in this environment because summer heat waves and extended drought will reduce moisture in the ground — moisture that aspen need for transpiration, which is the process of water going from roots to leaves and eventually into the atmosphere as vapor. Trees fail as transpiration ceases. We are already seeing the impact of heat intolerance on birch trees along the North Shore, where many have died or are dying. In time aspen stands won’t grow back as they do now either.
What are the benefits of aspen trees?
An aspen tree continues to provide ecological benefits once it dies or is blown over — a drumming log for a grouse, a microclimate for amphibians and, of course, slowly returning to the soil in the form of nutrients. An aspen forest composed of several different age classes provides the most benefit to wildlife.