Aspen is a type of deciduous tree that belongs to the willow family. There are six species of aspen that can be found in the temperate areas of the northern hemisphere. Aspen is native to the UK, however, it is more common in the North than the South. On my travels I have found two small colonies of Aspen at the Red Honiton Park & Ride in Sowton. Both male and female trees can be found here which is nice. Aspen is an important source of food for insects and mammals. Unlike many plant species, Aspen can survive forest fires and easily populate destroyed areas - luckily we don't have many of those!
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You can see how the leaves tremble in the wind which explains it's scientific name 'Populus tremula'
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A large male Aspen tree in flower. A real sight to see during the cold of February
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Female Aspen flowers beginning to develop their iconic fluffy white seeds
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Male Aspen flowers on a very windy day
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