Quaking Aspen or Popple (Populus tremuloides)

Form

A short-lived, small to medium sized tree; may reach height of 60 to 70 feet and diameter of 12 to 20 inches, but usually somewhat smaller; slender branches form an open, round crown; stem of tree is usually free of dead branches.

Bark

Thin, white to gray-green, almost smooth with black areas around base of limbs; has bitter inner bark.

Leaf

Alternate; small, broadly oval, short-pointed at end and finely toothed along margin; green and shiny above, dull green below; usually ranges in size from 1 to 2 inches. Leaf stalks are flattened at right angles to leaves, causing leaves to quake or tremble in a very slight breeze.

Fruit

Male and female catkins are on separate trees; fruit is a capsule; 1/4 inch long capsules borne on catkins 4 to 6 inches long; each capsule contains many seeds surrounded by long white hairs that are wind disseminated. Ripens in late spring (May or June) before full expansion of leaves. Regeneration is mainly by root suckering following cutting of tree.

Range

Found in all parts of Wisconsin; one of first species to appear after cutting or fire. Found commonly on cut-over land; grows well on sandy, gravelly soils, but thrives better on good soil.

Wood

Light brown, surrounded by thick, nearly white sapwood; light, soft, not strong; used extensively in manufacturing of pulpwood for books, and magazine papers, and low grade lumber.