QUAKING ASPEN or

POPPLE or

TREMBLING ASPEN

QUAKING ASPEN ( Populus tremuloides)

Quaking aspen is an abundant, rapid growing tree ocurring in either pure stands or in mixture with other species. It is found on many different kinds of soil, but makes the best growth on sandy, moist soils. Frequently it is the first species, with paper birch, to become established following heavy cuttings or burns. It does not persist in dense woods because it is intolerant, of shade.

It is a graceful tree with slender branches far apart and often contorted. Head round and narrow. It grows to a height of 60-75 feet and a diameter of 10-16 inches.

The bark is smooth, often roughened by horizontal lines of wartlike outgrowths. It is a pale green with dark brown patches. Bark of old trees is ash gray, dark at the base where it is divided into broad, flat ridges. It has a very bitter taste similar to quinine.

The leaves are alternate, rounded, short-pointed, with finely rounded teeth; dark green and shiny above, 1 1/2 to 3 inches long. The flattened petiole causes the leaves to tremble in a breeze.

The flowers are in catkins which appear before the leaves.

The fruit is a capsule which ripens about June. The seeds are very small, light and cottony, and are carried long distances by the wind.

The buds are dark brown, have a varnished appearance, and may be slightly sticky. Flower buds are usually larger than the leaf buds.

The wood is close-grained, soft, and rots very easily. It is used for lumber, box boards, pallets, excelsior, and for the manufacture of pulp, plywood, core stock, and expendable turnery items.