what does an aspen sapling look like

Populus

tremuloides, commonly called quaking aspen, is perhaps most noted for its beautiful white powdery bark, its deep green foliage that quakes in the slightest breeze and its golden yellow fall foliage colour.

Full Answer

What are the characteristics of aspen trees?

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.

How can you tell if a aspen tree is old?

As the tree gets a little older, the bark gets a little rough and develops furrows. If you look at the trunk of the Aspen tree, you can see several ‘eye’ formations on the trunk. Very surprising but equally true, these formations look exactly like the human eye, right up to the eyeball.

What does quaking aspen look like?

Quaking aspen is in the willow (Salicaceae) family. Trunk bark is variable, depending on the age of a tree. On a mature tree, the bark at the base of the trunk is coarse, gray, and furrowed, becoming more smooth and light-coloured above.

What do aspen leaves look like in the fall?

The rounded aspen leaves attach to branches by flattened stems (petioles). In the fall, aspen tree leaves turn spectacular golden yellow, orange or bronzy-red.

How do I identify an aspen sapling?

The aspen tree's identifying features are its tall, slender appearance, thin round tooth-edged leaves on the ends of long stems, and grayish bark. You can recognize aspens by the fluttering leaves that make the tree look as if it's trembling.

How do I identify an aspen tree?

Aspens can be identified by their smooth, white bark marked by black scars where lower branches are naturally self-pruned. Quaking Aspen leaves are somewhat heart shaped, with finely saw-toothed margins and range in size from 1.25-3" (3-8 cm) long.

How fast do aspen saplings grow?

Growth Rate This tree grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24" per year.

How do you plant aspen saplings?

Dig a hole in the worked soil for the seedling's or sapling's root ball. Position the young aspen in the hole and fill in around it with extruded soil. Water it well and firm the soil around it. You'll need to keep watering the young aspen for the entire first growing season.

Is there a difference between aspen and quaking aspen?

As the name suggests, bigtooth aspen has large, coarse irregular (dentate) shaped teeth along the margin of its heart-shaped (deltoid) leaves. Quaking aspen has smaller heart-shaped to circular (orbicular) leaves with fine (serrate) teeth on the edges.

How can you tell the difference between an aspen tree and a birch tree?

Aspen leaves are more rounded and heart-shaped, while birch leaves are more triangular, pointed and jagged. Look at the bark: Birch bark is somewhat papery and peels away from the trunk rather easily. On the other hand, aspen bark is wrapped tightly around the trunk and will not peel away easily.

Should I plant aspen trees in my yard?

It is too hot, too dry, and the soil pH is too high. These conditions will only shorten their life even more, while opening them up to the susceptibility of diseases and insects. I would not recommend planting an aspen in your yard.

Can aspen trees grow in pots?

These new plants may be dug and transplanted into pots or directly to your son's property. Do not leave the roots exposed any longer than necessary. You can also do as you have done. Dig some large roots (the diameter of your index finger or larger) and put them into pots of well-drained potting soil.

Are aspen trees easy to grow?

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.

Do aspen trees need lots of water?

Moderately drought tolerant once established, but requires deep watering every other week (several inches at a time) during the summer.

When should you plant aspen trees?

Quaking aspen isn't the best tree for every landscape, but, if you wish to grow it, the best time to plant one is spring, after the last frost date in your area.

Can you start aspen trees from cuttings?

Root cuttings In the same family as willows, aspen grows readily from cuttings. To get good material for these cuttings, root cuttings are first taken. In late winter or early spring, expose roots on mature trees and remove sections that are 1-3cm in diameter.

How many types of aspen trees are there?

There are six species of aspen trees, but only two are found in North America. The quaking aspen and the bigtooth aspen. These trees are very closely related to poplar trees, both of which are part of the genus Populus. Aspen trees are only differentiated from poplar trees by their scientific classification.

What is special about aspen trees?

Aspens grow all the time—even in winter. Beneath the thin, white outer bark layer is a thin green photosynthetic layer that allows the tree to create sugars and grow when other deciduous trees would otherwise be dormant. During hard winters, the green, sugary layer provides necessary nutrients for deer and elk.

Are there male and female aspen trees?

Aspen are dioecious, meaning each tree will develop either all male flowers or all female flowers. The male flowers will bloom first. After the flowers develop, they release their pollen and fall to the ground. Trees with female flowers will be pollinated and continue to develop.

Are aspen trees good for yards?

It is too hot, too dry, and the soil pH is too high. These conditions will only shorten their life even more, while opening them up to the susceptibility of diseases and insects. I would not recommend planting an aspen in your yard.

What color are the leaves of an aspen?

Aspen leaves are smooth, bright green to yellowish-green, dull underneath, until they turn brilliant yellow, gold, orange, or slightly red in the fall. The leave's small stem (petiole) is flattened along its entire length, perpendicular to the leaf blade.

How big is an aspen tree?

Photo by Linnea Hanson. Aspen are medium-sized deciduous trees, commonly 20 to 80 feet in height, and 3 to 18 inches diameter . Trees more than 80 feet tall and larger than 24 inches diameter are occasionally found. Their bark is smooth, greenish-white, yellowish-white, yellowish-gray, or gray to almost white in color.

How long do sucker aspens live?

The leaves of young sucker aspens may be much larger, sometimes 7 to 8 inches long. 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.

How do aspen trees reproduce?

Aspen reproduces both by seeds and by root sprouts , though sprouting is the most common and successful form of reproduction. Aspen produces small flowers, on catkins that are 1-2 inches long. These flowers are produced in the early spring before the leaves grow on the trees.

What is the ability of an aspen tree to regenerate?

Photo by B. Campbell. Aspen is noted for its ability to regenerate vegetatively by shoots and suckers arising along its long lateral roots. Root sprouting results in many genetically identical trees, in aggregate called a "clone". All the trees in a clone have identical characteristics and share a root structure.

What are the animals that live in aspen trees?

Aspen provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including hare, moose, black bear, elk, deer, ruffed grouse, migratory birds, and a variety of smaller animals. Aspen stands produce livestock forage, biomass, and are a source for a variety of wood products.

Why are there few aspen seedlings?

Few aspen seedlings survive in nature due to the short time a seed is viable, lack of moisture during seed dispersal, fungi, adverse day/night temperature changes , and unfavorable soil conditions. Aspen suckers developing from an aspen root. Photo by B. Campbell.

What Does an Aspen Tree Look like?

Generally grown in colonies, Aspen trees feature thin white-colored bark with tiny, tender, and round leaves.

How to identify an aspen tree?

You can identify Aspen trees easily by their white-colored beautiful bark and tender leaves, rounded in the middle with pointed apex.

Where Do Aspen Trees Grow?

The species of these quacky trees are also in several regions of North America, Africa, Asia, and Europe with major cultivation in the USA and Canada.

What are the different types of aspen trees?

There are six different species of Aspen Trees, depending upon the region they’re planted and grown: 1 Chinese Aspen: Native to China, Chinese Aspen Tree boasts a height of 30 meters. Its wood is used for construction and furniture making. 2 Korean Aspen: Korean Aspen Tree reaches a height of 25 meters and has triangular-shaped leaves. It is famous for its smooth red or brown bark. 3 Bigtooth Aspen: Found in central and eastern regions of North America, Bigtooth Aspen features leaves with larger teeth. Its thin and olive-green colored bark differentiates them from the other aspen trees. 4 Japanese Aspen: Tall deciduous trees commonly occurring in the hilly mountainous landscapes of Japan. Its woolly textured wood is abrasion-resistant. 5 Eurasian Aspen: Known as trembling aspen, the characteristics of the European Aspen is similar to that of common aspens. It is also a home for the woodpecker. 6 Quaking Aspen: The most common aspen can be found in major regions of North America. Its leaves turn into a stunning shade of yellow in fall.

What is the most common aspen in North America?

Eurasian Aspen: Known as trembling aspen, the characteristics of the European Aspen is similar to that of common aspens. It is also a home for the woodpecker. Quaking Aspen: The most common aspen can be found in major regions of North America. Its leaves turn into a stunning shade of yellow in fall.

How tall is the Korean Aspen tree?

Korean Aspen: Korean Aspen Tree reaches a height of 25 meters and has triangular-shaped leaves. It is famous for its smooth red or brown bark.

What is the name of the tree with a red bark?

Korean Aspen: Korean Aspen Tree reaches a height of 25 meters and has triangular-shaped leaves. It is famous for its smooth red or brown bark. Bigtooth Aspen: Found in central and eastern regions of North America, Bigtooth Aspen features leaves with larger teeth.

How to identify an aspen tree?

Identification of the Aspen tree is possible by looking out for the unique characteristics in the leaves, bark, and the unmistakable ‘eye’ of the Aspen tree.

What do the eyes on an aspen tree look like?

Eyes of the Aspen. If you look at the trunk of the Aspen tree, you can see several ‘eye’ formations on the trunk. Very surprising but equally true, these formations look exactly like the human eye, right up to the eyeball. You can find them all over the trunk at the lower height.

How far apart do you plant Aspen trees?

But if you need to plant more trees adjacent to one another, plant them at a distance that equals to half the width of the canopy.

How to tell if an aspen tree is rustling?

The width of the leaves may be 2 ½ to 3 inches, depending upon the species. It has rounded/pointed serrations on the margins of the leaves. Because of the long stalk and shape of the leaf, even a gentle wind rustles up all the leaves of the tree, and it creates a prominent rustling sound. The underside of the leaf has a silvery shade, as opposed to the dark green on the upper part of the leaf. As the leaf rustles and moves, this silvery shimmer cannot go unnoticed. The whole tree shimmers in the light, and that accompanying sound is a sure identifier of the Aspen tree.

Why do aspen trees grow in winter?

It is because the Aspen tree trunk has a photosynthetic layer, and it synthesis food with the help of sunlight. The trunks of the Aspen tree make the food in the form of sugar. It gets stored in the trunk itself.

What does the name Aspen mean?

One of the most straightforward meanings of the Aspen tree is a quaking or shivering tree, that is of great help and considered to be a gift of God.

How big do aspen trees get?

The roots of the Aspen tree can grow up to 40 feet in diameter and grow out many suckers, which develop into the clone of the tree. One Aspen tree can create a large number of clones around it, and in due course of time, a whole forest gets generated out of the common underground root system.

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.

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.

What do the leaves look like?

The leaves are a roundish shape with irregular notches like blunt teeth. The leaf stalks (petioles) are flat. This is what allows the leave to flutter so much in the wind. Moreover, this is a benefit to the tree in high winds, that can be common in its habitat, as it reduces the drag on the tree which results in less storm damage.

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 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.

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 big do aspen trees grow?

What is the size of the tree? When talking about the individual tree the Aspen tree will grow up to 15-30 Meters tall (48-98ft). They have thin trunks. The magical statistic over their size is the size of the colony which can grow very large expanding up to 1 meter (3.3ft) every year.

What do aspen leaves look like?

Leaves on aspen trees quiver and rustle with just the slightest breeze. This effect makes aspen leaves look like thousands of fluttering butterflies.

How big do aspen leaves get?

Aspen leaves are smooth and glossy green round leaves with a pointed tip, and grow about 1.5” to 3” (4 – 7.5 cm) across. Some aspen species have oval leaves with toothed or slightly lobed margins. The rounded aspen leaves attach to branches by flattened stems (petioles).

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.

How tall do aspens grow?

Aspens trees have fast growth rate and can increase in height around 2 ft. (60 cm) per year.

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.

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.

How to identify a maple tree sapling?

Saplings are trees that are just starting to grow. Just as with mature trees, saplings can be identified by noting their details. Although it's typically a sapling's leaves that are the primary key in identifying it, the leaves are only one part of a sapling.

What parts of a tree are used to identify saplings?

Other parts, such as buds and twigs, are also used in identifying tree saplings. However, because saplings are not mature trees, they can be harder to identify than older trees. Advertisement.

How to tell if a sapling is a box elder?

Consider the color of a sapling's twigs and if the twigs are shiny or dull. For example, the twigs of box elder saplings are purplish. Some twigs are hairy, while others are smooth. Because most trees have bark that changes in appearance with age, it can be hard to identify a sapling by its bark. On the other hand, some saplings are easy to identify from their bark, such as aspens, birches and American elms.

What tree has simple leaves that grow on twigs?

If a sapling has simple leaves that grow opposite each other, it's likely to be an ash, a lilac or a dogwood tree . Saplings with simple leaves that grow on twigs alternately include birches, poplars and willows. Saplings with compound leaves positioned opposite each other on twigs include ash and buckeye trees.

How many saplings are in a hardwood forest?

A hardwood forest may contain as many as 300 saplings per hectare (equal to 100 acres), notes the University of Minnesota.

What trees have compound leaves?

Saplings with compound leaves that grow alternately on a twig include walnut and locust trees. Advertisement.

Do sugar maples have bud scars?

Sugar maple saplings have extremely pointed buds. Different saplings also have various sizes, shapes and face patterns of bud scars. Saplings such as butternuts, walnuts, ashes and hickories have larger bud scars than most trees.

What is an aspen tree?

About Aspen Trees. The aspen ( Populus tremuloides) is an iconic keystone tree species, and its mixed understory supports a diverse ecosystem throughout the higher elevations of the Rocky Mountains. Aspen trees naturally grow in groves, rather than as individual trees. An aspen grove will have trees at all stages of life, ...

What is the sticky substance in an aspen tree?

In addition, we often see aphids in aspens; they secrete a sticky substance called honeydew that results in an unsightly, black sooty mold covering the leaves and everything beneath the tree.

What causes aspen leaves to rust?

Aspens are affected by a variety of fungal problems that affect the foliage, including leaf spot, aspen leaf blight, and rust. Most of these diseases can defoliate the tree. Although it requires repeated, severe incidents of leaf blight and dieback to kill a tree, annual leaf blight makes aspens look unhealthy, and reduces the desirable characteristics of delicate branches and green, fluttering leaves.

Why do aspens clone themselves?

But that’s just the beginning. Aspens need to clone themselves to stay healthy (that’s why they naturally grow in groves). They do this by sending out tons of “suckers,” many of which end up in spots where homeowners don’t want them. So, we cut them out or let the elk/deer eat them to the ground. Either way, the aspen can’t grow to put out more leaves that would help them combat stressors, such as insects and disease.

Why is my aspen tree turning orange?

Another common aspen tree problem is cytospora canker. This fungal disease causes patches of bright orange bark that (usually, but not always) ooze brown liquid. After a few years, the bark begins to fall off and you’ll see dark brown or black areas beneath it.

What is the prevailing tree in Colorado?

Aspens are the prevailing tree in our part of the Colorado Front Range and a favorite with many residents in Evergreen and the surrounding areas. Unfortunately, aspen trees are also susceptible to a wide range of problems. For example, they’re prone to many types of injuries (like deer or elk rubbing and browsing), ...

Why can't aspens grow?

Either way, the aspen can’t grow to put out more leaves that would help them combat stressors, such as insects and disease. As a result, aspens have the most problems of all our local plants. In fact, they seem to be perpetually afflicted by a new problem, no matter how many or how often treatments are applied.

What is quaking aspen?

Populus tremuloides, commonly called quaking aspen, is perhaps most noted for its beautiful white powdery bark, its deep green foliage that quakes in the slightest breeze and its golden yellow fall foliage colour . Interestingly, the leaves have a flat petiole which is stronger in one direction than the other which allows ...

What is the color of the trunk of a tree?

Trunk bark is variable, depending on the age of a tree. On a mature tree, the bark at the base of the trunk is coarse, gray, and furrowed, becoming more smooth and light-coloured above. On immature trees, the trunk bark is white to light yellowish gray and relatively smooth; there are usually black horizontal rings and scattered black knots along the trunk.

What is the white powder on the bark of a ash tree?

At on time the ashes were used as a source of salt. The white powder on the bark has reportedly been used as yeast. Although useful, this is a tree that is conside red as famine food. The buds are a good source of calcium, fibre and vitamin A.

How tall is a sandbox?

It can be as tall as 40 metres (120 ') with a trunk diameter of 60cm (23”).

When do catkins appear?

Flowers appear before the leaves in the spring as catkins with male and female flowers on separate trees (clones). Seed pods mature along the central stem of the hanging female catkin.

Is quaking aspen a disturbed species?

This tree is one of the most wildly distributed trees throughout North America. Quaking aspen also tends to be a disturbed habitat species, meaning it often lives where avalanches, mudslides and fires occur frequently.

Why do aspen trees turn yellow?

The leaves of aphid-infested trees turn yellow and are curled. The presence of sooty mold fungus can also be a sign of aphid infection. Treatment.

How to treat aspen tree disease?

This disease may lead to the defoliation of the aspen tree. Treatment. Sever the affected part of the tree. Make use of fungicide as a preventive measure before the outbreak of the disease. Keep sufficient distance between two trees so as to allow air circulation and restrict the spread of the disease.

What causes sooty bark on aspen trees?

Sooty bark canker is a fungal disease. This is caused by encoelia pruinosa. This disease is fatal for aspen trees.

How to get rid of elk in aspen trees?

Treatment. Use chemical deterrents or repellents to avoid elks from browsing on the tree surface. Fencing can also be an effective way to manage and limit the damage caused by elks. Marssonina Blight and Ink Spot Disease are fungal infestations and result in a ‘black leaf’ problem in aspen trees.

Why does my aspen tree have a rot trunk?

A trunk rot in aspen is caused due to Phellinus Tremulae. This is a species of polypore fungus. Symptoms. One of the primary symptoms of the tree being infected by this fungus is the loss of its volume. Trunk rot causes holes in the aspen tree that are used by birds for nesting.

What are the miners in aspen trees?

Aspen leaf miners are types of moths. These insects form and grow within the aspen leaves. They feed on the interior tissue of the leaves. It may not be a fatal disease, but the spots caused by the moths ruin the beauty of the leaves of this tree.

What is the name of the tree that grows in the fall?

Even the slightest of breeze is sufficient to ruffle them around. This has led to the tree being famously known as the quaking aspen .