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Plant Profile

Quaking Aspen

Matthew Kong • SBI4UE • Grade 12 IB Biology • 2023/10/04

(Saija Lehtonen, 2020)

(Gianni, 2012)

Introduction

The Populus tremuloides is a deciduous tree with a typical height of 12-24 m and a width of 3-9 m. It is commonly given the nickname of Quaken or Trembling Aspen (UMN, 2023) because its leaves’ laterally flattened petioles cause them to flutter even in the slightest breeze. (Beaulieu, 2023) Its bark appears smooth and thin, usually in shades of greenish or grayish white, with it darkening into a deep brown or gray with age. (OSU, 2020) It is often marked by thick horizontal lines along the bark. Towards the base of the limbs, there are black areas. (UMN, 2023) It is notable for being the native tree with the widest geographical distribution in North America, which is in part due to its remarkable ability to prosper in recently burnt or nutrient deficient soil. Its leaves exhibit a broadly oval shape, featuring a finely serrated edge and a brief, pointed tip. (UOG, 2022) In the fall, the leaves turn from a rich green to a bright yellow. (Britannica, 2015)

Habitat & Climate

The Quaking Aspen is native to many regions in North America, with its range extending from the far east coast of Canada to parts of northwestern Alaska. It can grow on a wide variety of soil types, including sandy and gravelly slopes, and can grow remarkably quickly on sites with disturbed and barren soil. In addition, it can grow in a wide variety of climates, with some trees enduring lows of -57° C and highs of 41° C in parts of Montana. Because of this, it is the most widely distributed native tree in North America. However, it cannot grow on extremely dry soil. (Perala, 2018)

(Kunstmatrix, 2021)

(Valentini, 2014)

Ecological Significance

The Quaking Aspen has many uses in nature. Mature trees often provide shelter and protection for animals, and younger trees can act as a food source for porcupines, rodents, and rabbits. Furthermore, Aspen trees are the preferred food source for beavers. (uAlberta, 2018)

Human Use

Because of its abundance in North America, the Quaking Aspen is often used in woodworking, such as for furniture, toothpicks, or boxes. (Sween, 2016) However, it is considered to be non-durable and prone to insect infestation. Additionally, its fire-resistant properties make the wood less than ideal as a firewood, but it can still be moderately effective as tinder or kindling. (Barren, 2021)

(Amber Oliver, 2017)

Citations

aspen | plant. (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/plant/aspen-plant
Barren, O. (2021, April 13). Is Quaking Aspen Good for Firewood? Outdoor Barren. https://outdoorbarren.com/is-quaking-aspen-good-for-firewood/

Beaulieu, D. (2023, March 8). How to Grow and Care for Quaking Aspen. The Spruce.
https://www.thespruce.com/quaking-aspen-tree-plant-care-and-growing-guide-5199487

Mac Sween, P. (2016, January 28). Quaking aspen. Canadian Woodworking & Home Improvement.
https://canadianwoodworking.com/woods/woods-to-know-trembling-aspen/

Populus tremuloides | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University. (n.d.). Landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu.
https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/populus-tremuloides

Populus tremuloides Michx. (n.d.). Www.srs.fs.usda.gov.
https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_2/populus/tremuloides.htm

QUAKING ASPEN - POPULUS TREMULOIDES | The UFOR Nursery & Lab. (n.d.). Trees.umn.edu.
https://trees.umn.edu/quaking-aspen-populus-tremuloides

Scientific Name: Populus tremuloides Michx. (2018). University of Alberta.
https://acrre.ualberta.ca/acrre/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2018/04//Populus_tremuloides.pdf

Trembling Aspen - Populus tremuloides | The Arboretum. (n.d.). Arboretum.uoguelph.ca. Retrieved October 8, 2023, from
https://arboretum.uoguelph.ca/thingstosee/trees/tremblingaspen

Gianni. (2012). Quaking Aspens In Fall Colors [Online image]. In Seeing Things.
https://gianni-seeingthings.blogspot.com/2012/10/quaking-aspens-in-fall-colors.html

Lehtonen, S. (n.d.). Quaking Aspens [Online image]. In Pixels.com.
https://pixels.com/featured/quaking-aspens-saija-lehtonen.html

Oliver, A. (n.d.). Campfire A summer campfire [Online image]. In PublicDomainPictures.net.
https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=211575&picture=campfire

Valentini, J. (2014). The Beaver’s instinctive nature declares the glory of God Job 12:7-10 [Online image]. In Jsvalent.
https://jsvalent.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-beavers-instinctive-nature-declares.html