Many people ask us "why aspen"? That’s a great question!

Aspen Tree Facts:

The aspen tree, also commonly called American aspen, quaking aspen, or trembling aspen, have been known in Europe since the dawn of human civilization, when they grew naturally along rivers and open spaces not meant for agricultural development. Aspens are aided by the rhizomatic nature of their root systems and require a lot of room to grow and branch out. Each individual tree can live for 40–150 years above ground, but the root system of the colony is long-lived. In some cases, this is for thousands of years. Aspen are also known as Poplars, a timber species more appropriate for temperate climates, and for reforestation purposes. Aspen groves are unique because they consist of one huge organism; a unique species because an entire grove shares one root system, which stems from one parent tree. 

Aspen is often considered to be an indicator of ancient woodlands. One such colony in Utah, given the nickname of "Pando", has been estimated to be as old as 80,000 years. Some aspen colonies become very large with time, spreading about 1 m (3 ft) per year, eventually covering many hectares. Fire indirectly benefits aspen trees, since it allows the saplings to flourish in open sunlight in the burned landscape, devoid of other competing tree species. In forestry cultivation aspens have increased in popularity mostly because of their fast growth rate and ability to regenerate. 

Quaking aspens can be found in nearly every state of the United States and most Canadian provinces. Aspen is the most widely distributed species of poplar tree in North America. Besides being a popular source of timber, a strong building material, and long before the arrival of Europeans into the New World, aspen has been traditionally used by native populations for shelter and medicinal purposes, mainly for treating rheumatoid arthritis, cystitis, digestive upsets, and even the common cold. The Chippewa would chew the aspen bark or root and apply it as a poultice in order to heal wounds and prevent infections. Aspens have many health benefits with properties that include anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antiseptic actions.

Aspen is considered to be a nurse tree, as it encourages the growth of other species of trees around it, which can replace the trembling aspen when it dies. 

Aspens typically grow in environments that are otherwise dominated by coniferous tree species, and which are often lacking other large deciduous tree species. Aspen is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 50 - 100 feet (12 - 30 m) in height. Aspens are characterized by their smooth, white bark with black scars where lower branches have naturally self-pruned. Aspens have evolved several adaptations that aid their survival in such environments. Leaves are small and oval, almost heart-shaped, and are attached by long stalks called petioles. The long flattened petioles reduce aerodynamic drag during high winds and decrease the likelihood of trunk or branch damage. They also allow the leaves to quiver in the wind, giving them their common name (Trembling Aspen or Quaking Aspen). The leaves change from green to golden and sometimes bright red in the fall. Dropping leaves in the winter (like most but not all other deciduous plants) also helps to prevent damage from heavy winter snow. Additionally, the bark is photosynthetic, meaning that growth is still possible after the leaves have been dropped.

Aspen wood is white and soft, but fairly strong. The dry timber weathers very well, becoming silvery-grey and resistant to rotting and warping, and has traditionally been used for rural construction.