Aspen is the name of a group of medium-sized poplar trees found in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Aspens have smooth, light-colored bark. Their leaves have long, flattened stalks and may be triangular, heart-shaped, or round. In fall, aspen leaves turn brilliant yellow.
The most common type of aspen in North America is the quaking aspen, also known as the trembling aspen. It is found from eastern Canada to Alaska, across the Northeastern and Great Lakes states, and in western mountains south into Mexico. Its nearly round leaves have fine-toothed edges. The bigtooth aspen grows throughout southeastern Canada and eastward from Minnesota and Iowa in the United States. It is found primarily in low-lying areas with sandy soils. Its leaves are egg-shaped and have coarse-toothed edges. The European aspen is found in Europe, North Africa, western Asia, and Siberia. Its leaves are round or oval with notched edges.
Aspens require open, sunny places to reproduce. In forest areas that have been opened up by fire, disease, or other disturbances, aspens grow rapidly and often become the dominant species in a few years. Later, they are generally replaced by trees that grow well in shade.
Aspen wood is used primarily to make pulp for paper. The wood is also used to make matchsticks, boxes, and crates.
