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Quaking aspen

Populus tremuloides | Family: Salicaceae

submission: Chrissy McIntire

Identification:

Leaves—

medium sized, heart shaped, yellow green color

Twigs—

long, not too thin, dull dark grey color

Flowers—

dark furry small clusters

Fruit—

small green capsules

Bark—

smooth texture, pasty white with dark patches

Hover over one of the descriptions to see an example.

picture of leaves picture of bark picture of twigs picture of fruit picture of flowers

 

Natural History:

Lifespan—

Up to 150 years.

General description—

These hardwood trees are the most widely distributed tree across North America. It can adapt to most regions even the Western US. They are rather hard to grow in very warm weather. (They can grow in most soil types).

Natural distribution and habitat—

Native to North America and found in most regions of North America.

Conservation status—

Nothing serious, since it easily overcomes fires and other trees.

Uses—

Used in lumber industry. Used by animals for food and nesting. 

References:

  1. “Trembling Aspen,” canadiantreetour.org, Canadian Tree tours, http://canadiantreetours.org/species-pages/Trembling_aspen.html
  2. Johnson, Douglas. “Biogeography of Quaking Aspen.” Sfsu.edu, San Francisco State University Department of Geography, http://online.sfsu.edu/bholzman/courses/Fall99Projects/aspen.htm
  3. “Quaking Aspen,” nwf.org, The National Wildlife Federation, https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Plants-and-Fungi/Quaking-Aspen

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