Bigtooth aspen

Populus grandidentata

image of leaves from the U. of WI

Foliage Type:

leaf

Arrangement:

simple, alternate

Distinguishing features: leaves - 2"to 4", oval, margins are coarsely toothed petiole flattened bark of young trees is smooth and is gray-green bark of older trees is furrowed and much darker which gradually becomes smoother further from the base of the tree

Habitats:	dry mesic sites mesic sites
Often confused with:	Trembling aspen
Ecological Value:	seeds, buds, and twigs are foods for numerous species including: grouse, prairie chicken, deer, moose, beaver, porcupine, hare, rabbit, bear beaver eat the bark butterfly larvae (tiger swallowtail, viceroy, purple banded) eat the leaves
Did You Know?	Bigtooth aspen under management in Michigan will produce more wood/acre than any other native tree to the state. are used by more than 500 organisms for food. roots may extend up to 80 feet from the base of a tree.
Uses / Ethnobotanical uses:	root decoction used to help stem excessive menstrual flows and treat skin disorders poulticed root for cuts, wounds inner-bark tea for stomach pain, VD, urinary ailments, worms, colds, fevers, and appetite stimulant leaf buds as salve for colds, coughs, irritated nostrils bark tincture for fevers, rheumatism, arthritis, colds, worms, urinary infections and diarrhea bark contains aspirin-like salicin, which is anti-inflammatory, analgesic; reduces fevers paper pulp some construction (soft lumber) manufacture of boxes and wooden ware ornamental for landscaping