| Location |
| Between mile markers 0.0 and 0.25 |
| Fact about this tree and why it was chosen |
| As part of early succession, the aspen trees show the beginnings of new life in an area. Aspens usually grow in full sunlight, and they grow in clones—which is why there are so many of them in this area! |
| Latin name |
| Populus tremuloides |
| Fun facts |
- Commonly used for paper products as the wood is very soft.
- Acts as a noise barrier.
- Protects against soil erosion.
- Food for: bears, deer, beavers, porcupines, elk, moose, and small mammals.
- Native Americans cut the inner bark into strips, dried and ground it to be used as a starch. Also brewed the bark for salicin (similar to aspirin) to treat ailments.
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How to identify this tree: |
| Leaf |
| Leaves are heart shaped, flat, and ‘quake’ in the slightest breeze. |
| Bark |
| Smooth white bark, marked by black scars where lower branches were naturally pruned. |
| Form |
- Their root system is asexual and is the reason that we see aspens growing in ‘clones.’
- The oldest ‘clone’ is in Utah, and is aged at 80,000 years old.
- Because of these ‘clones’ it is hard to rid an area of aspens, if one attempted it. The roots grow back even when chopped up!
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