Trembling aspen (Quaking aspen)

Populus tremuloides

Foliage Type:

leaf

Arrangement:

simple, alternate

Distinguishing features: leaves 1 1/2 to 3 inches in diameter, broadly egg-shaped, petiole laterally flattened (1 & 1/2" to 3" long) leaf surface - somewhat lustrous, green glabrous above, duller and glabrous leaf margin - finely toothed (sharp to rounded teeth) leaves - apex less than 90 degrees, may have an attenuated point leaf base - rounded bark - smooth, greenish white to cream-colored, with maturity the base of the trunk is furrowed, dark brown or gray, often roughened by numerous wartlike areas

Habitats:	dry mesic sites mesic sites wet mesic sites
Often confused with:	Bigtooth aspen Paper birch
Ecological Value:	more than 500 species of organisms feed upon aspen, from deer and beaver to insects, fungi and viruses seeds, buds, and twigs are foods for numerous species including: prairie chicken, deer, moose, beaver, porcupine, hare, rabbit, bear grouse eat buds in winter butterfly larvae of the tiger swallowtail, viceroy, purple banded eat the leaves
Did You Know?	Trembling aspen is the most widely distributed tree in North America. roots may extend up to 80 feet from the base of the tree. sprouts prolifically after logging or fire and regenerates a new dense forest quickly.
Uses / Ethnobotanical uses:	American Indians used root-bark tea for excessive menstrual bleeding 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