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!
​Aspen grows in the sunny areas, on a moist, but well-drained soil. People grow aspen because of its ornamental morphology and calming effect that sound of trembling leaves. Older trees may be covered with lichen, which gives the trunk a black appearance. The bark is grey and often pitted with diamond-shaped pores, called lenticels. During the Autumn the leaves turn a deep gold colour and is a lovely sight. Several excellent sources of information can be found here:
You can see how the leaves tremble in the wind which explains it's scientific name '​Populus tremula'
A large male Aspen tree in flower. A real sight to see during the cold of February
Aspen flowers are a treat to see - but they're only about for a few months. The male flowers are in full show around February and the Female flowers typically in April. During late April the female flowers begin to release the white fluffy seeds. They look a little like cotton wool floating around the air and often raise questions to the unwary passerby.
Female Aspen flowers beginning to develop their iconic fluffy white seeds
Male Aspen flowers on a very windy day
As nice as Aspen is, there doesn't seem to be much of it in Exeter. There are similar trees such as White Poplar or Black Poplar. One thing to note about Aspen is it's ability to spread. It sends out suckers which soon sprout into new Aspen trees. In fact the largest organism in the world has been classed as a colony of Aspen in Utah, USA. It is a colony of only male Aspen trees covering around 106 acres. Basically it is a forest of Aspen. It weighs around 6,600 tonnes and is though to be over 80,000 years old. Sadly reports suggest that Pando (this is the name for it) is dying for unknown reasons. Details of Pando can be found here.
  • Aspen is deciduous so it sheds it leaves annually
  • Aspen is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers (catkins) are found on separate trees
  • The male flowers are red and display in late winter (Jan to Feb)
  • The female flowers are green and display in early spring (March to April)
  • Aspen produces hundreds of miniature, hairy seed that are easily dispersed by wind
  • Aspen is an important source of food for forest animals. Deer eat the twigs and leaves, while rabbits and hares consume the bark of the tree. Birds will eat the seed, flowers, buds and fruit.
  • Aspen can grow from 49 to 98 feet in height, depending on the species. It usually grows to the height of 65 feet
  • Aspen has a strong root system that can reach 40 feet in diameter, which can easily destroy pavements and underground sewers
  • The wood of aspen tree has been used in the industry of paper and matches
  • Aspen wood is lightweight, and was used for making oars and paddles, surgical splints and wagon bottoms
  • Aspen (Populus tremula) - the scientific name 'tremula' means to 'tremble' and refers to the way the leaves flutter and move in the slightest breeze
  • It is said that a crown made of aspen leaves gives its wearer the power to visit and return safely from the Underworld
  • Aspis, the aspen's Greek name, means shield, which was one of the many traditional uses of its wood
  • According to the widespread belief, stake made of aspen wood can kill vampires and werewolves
  • The roots can live for thousands of years, whilst the tree itself may only last anything from 40 to 150 years
Kingdom:Plantae
(unranked):Angiosperms
(unranked):Eudicots
(unranked):Rosids
Order:Fagales
Family:Fagaceae
Genus:Fagus
Species:F. sylvatica
If there is anything out of place or wrong please contact me. Equally if there is anything you wish to add please let me know. The more information we have about Aspen the better. Many thanks!