What Tree Is Commonly Called the Quaking Aspen?

The quaking aspen tree gets its name from how its golden leaves tremble in the breeze. Known by the scientific name Populus tremuloides, it is also called trembling aspen, trembling popular, golden aspen and mountain aspen. It grows throughout much of North America.

The quaking aspen grows throughout much of North America.

Appearance

The quaking aspen tree's bark is green-tinged white to almost gray, with black marks running horizontally along the trunk's length. The shaking leaves help draw attention to the quaking aspen's striking golden color in autumn.

Size

A relatively fast-growing three, the quaking aspen can reach 60 feet to 80 feet tall. Most mature aspens have a diameter of 7 to 12 inches.

Location

While widely dispersed in North America, the heaviest concentrations of the quaking aspen trees are in the northern United States and Canada.

Uses

Quaking aspen trees provide habitat for wildlife. They are also used for particleboard, plywood and pulp, as well as playground equipment and benches.

Interesting Fact

American Indians used the bitter inner bark of the quaking aspen as a quinine substitute for treating malaria.

References

• Quaking Aspen
• About Quaking Aspen