2. Characteristics
• Bark nearly smooth and white
• Most often in grooves
• Trembling, Quaking leaves
• Thin petiole that is at right angle to blade
• Poplar heart shaped leaves
• Foliage pale green in spring turning to gold
and brilliant red oranges in fall.
3. Ecology
• Vegetative reproduction(Clones)
• Importance of fire in interspecific competition
• Immortal?
• Most widespread N.American tree
• The only hardwood to break up the monotony of
the vast coniferous forests in the far north.
• Often found in cool dry high places commonly
close to cool streams
4. Ecology continued
• Bear use Aspens to mark territory
• Snowshoe hare, cottontail, porcupine, deer,
elk, grouse are among individual species
depending on Aspen
• Special relationship with beavers that need
cambium and wood for constructions.
• Early fur trappers took advantage of this
relationship
