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Identification Clues:
This aspen has smooth bark colored light green.
The small, thin leaves are nearly round except for a pointed tip.
The leaf petiole has a flattened surface that allows the shiny leaves to
quiver in a slight breeze. The leaves are dark green above and lighter
below. The quaking aspen has catkin-like clusters with cottony seeds.
They are yellow-green in color. This tree is fast growing and relatively
short-lived, growing to heights of forty to sixty feet. The bright
yellow fall foliage is a lovely contrast to the deep green of the conifer
trees with which aspens naturally grow.
Distribution:
The quaking aspen is native to South Dakota
and probably has the most extensive natural range of any tree in North
America. It inhabits dry, sunny hilltops and moist, loamy soils.
Highlights:
The pulp from the quaking aspen is used to
make paper for books and magazines. It is also used in crating food
items since the wood has no odor.
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