What is so special about Quaking Aspen?
Admirers frequently note the striking white bark of quaking aspen. This bark lives and carries out photosynthesis, attributes that make it unique among North American trees and likely contribute to its impressive geographic range (Figure 1). The white bark is living tissue, unique among North American trees.
Should I plant a quaking aspen in my yard?
Aspen. Quaking aspen trees have showy autumn foliage and attractive bark for winter landscapes. A single tree can spawn an entire grove with its weedy suckers, making it a potential maintenance nightmare if it’s planted in a small yard or too close to neighboring properties.
Are Quaking Aspen fast growing?
Aspen trees grow very quickly and are very hardy. That means that you can “furnish” a new backyard in just a few seasons if you plant aspens. Quaking aspen tree facts establish that this succession tree spreads very fast in proper terrain. It grows fast from seeds, but also grows from suckers.
Can you transplant Quaking Aspen?
Aspen and fir trees have lateral roots (you don’t have to dig deep, but you will have to dig in a wider circle in order to get as much root as you can). Trees can be transplanted anytime, but the experts suggest the best time is in the spring or fall when the trees are dormant.
What do aspen trees symbolize?
Of old the aspen was a tree of heroes, whose crowns of trembling leaves gave them the power not only to visit the Underworld, but also to return safely. Aspens were also said to be able to protect buried treasure.
Are aspen tree roots invasive?
Growing up to 50 feet tall with a 25 foot spread, Aspen trees produce root systems that grow well past their drip lines in search of nutrients, oxygen and moisture. Any pieces that fall to the ground can potentially root and propagate the tree in an undesired location.
What is the life expectancy of an aspen tree?
The lifespan of quaking aspens is unique. Individual quaking aspen stems usually live for about 50 to 60 years, sometimes up to 150 years in the West. However, in many cases, each tree is actually part of a much larger organism, since multiple stems can sprout from the same root system.
Is quaking aspen invasive?
quaking aspen: Populus tremuloides (Salicales: Salicaceae): Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. Populus tremuloides Michx. Tree(s); at peak of fall color.
What kind of soil do aspen trees like?
It grows on many soil types, especially sandy and gravelly slopes, and is quick to pioneer disturbed sites where there is bare soil. It grows best where soils are moist and sunshine is plentiful. Aspen is intolerant of shade, and does not compete well with more shade-tolerant conifer species.
When can you transplant quaking aspen trees?
spring
When to Plant Aspen Saplings The best time is spring, after the chance of frost is passed. If you live in a warm area in a hardiness zone higher than zone 7, you should transplant aspens in early spring. An aspen seedling transplant in spring gives the young aspen ample time to establish a healthy root system.
What kind of tree is a quaking aspen?
Quaking Aspen is a native American tree adapted to cold regions and a great choice for a quick growing and hardy tree to start your garden and fill in while other trees develop.
Is the quaking aspen in the world record book?
If there were a Guinness Book of World Records for trees, the quaking aspen would be in it — several times.
Where can you find quaking aspen in Mexico?
Quaking aspen is also found in the mountains of Mexico, as far south as Guanajuato. Worldwide, only Populus tremula, European aspen, and Pinus sylvestris, Scotch pine, have wider natural ranges. -The native range of quaking aspen.
What can I do with the pulp of quaking aspen?
Quaking Aspen, Populus tremuloides. It is used for making engineered lumber such as waferboard and oriented strandboard. The pulp makes fine paper. It is also used to make crates, pallets and furniture as well as excelsior (wood shavings used for packing or stuffing), matchsticks, tongue depressors, and pellets for fuel.