Famous for the trembling of leaves in the lightest breeze — a single "tree" is often a clonal grove sharing one root system. Pando, an aspen clone in Utah, is one of the largest organisms on Earth at 80,000+ years old.

Also called: Doug Fir

Native status: Native; widely cultivated

§ Quick facts

SizeMature height 50–80 m (164–262 ft); trunk diameter 1.2–2.0 m
WeightN/A
Lifespan600–1,000 years; some over 1,200
OrderPinales
FamilyPinaceae

§ Encyclopedia

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. The trees have tall trunks, up to 25 metres tall, with smooth pale bark, scarred with black. The glossy green leaves, dull beneath, become golden to yellow, rarely red, in autumn. The species often propagates through its roots to form large clonal groves originating from a shared root system. These roots are not rhizomes, as new growth develops from adventitious buds on the parent root system.

Source: Wikipedia — Populus tremuloides Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive conifer with deeply furrowed bark; flat needles arranged in two ranks.

Similar species. True firs. Spruces. Hemlock.

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Massive Pacific Northwest conifer.

§ Range

Most widely distributed tree in North America — Alaska to Mexico

§ Habitat

Cool, moist sites in mountains, valleys, riverbanks; often on disturbed land

§ Threats

Sudden Aspen Decline (linked to drought + heat), elk overbrowsing of saplings, fire suppression preventing regeneration.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the quaking aspen is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support fire-managed forest restoration. Donate to Pando Project. Manage elk herds with predators (wolves) where reintroduced.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Forest Service
  • Save the Redwoods League