A quaking aspen G. Lumis	The leaf of a quaking aspen G. Lumis	Bark of a quaking aspen G. Lumis

Scientific Name: Populus tremuloides

Range: throughout North America 
Height: 20 to 60 ft
Form: narrow, rounded crown
Type: deciduous tree 
Leaves: 1 to 3 inches long

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Light, fluffy seed of the quaking aspen G. Lumis

Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) is the most widely distributed tree in North America. It is known by many names: trembling aspen, golden aspen, mountain aspen, popple, poplar, trembling poplar, and in Spanish, álamo blanco, and álamo temblón. It grows on many soil types, especially sandy and gravelly slopes, and it is quick to pioneer disturbed sites where there is bare soil. This fast-growing tree is short lived and pure stands are gradually replaced by slower-growing species. The light, soft wood has very little shrinkage and high grades of aspen are used for lumber and wooden matches. Most aspen wood goes into pulp and flake-board, however. Many kinds of wildlife also benefit from this tree.