🍃genus loci🍂trembling aspen
Aka. Popple, quaking aspen, American aspen, (what do you call trembling aspen?)
Trembling aspen are native to North America and are a pioneer species. They get up to 82ft(25 m) tall and stems(?) live on average 100 yrs. Aspens reproduce mostly by cloning and have male and female clones. They also spread by seed and are wind pollinated. They flower in early spring and leaves turn yellow(usually) red or orange(sometimes). Trembling aspen are an important food source for many animals. They’re not great for fuel or permanent structures but they were used an a quinine substitute and paper. Trembling aspen is the state tree of Utah. If there isn’t regular fire aspen will be out competed by conifers. Unfortunately recently there has been an increase in dieback.
The largest known tree is a trembling aspen in Utah called Pando. Pando may be 14000 yrs old and covers 106 acres(42.89 hectares). Most of its stems are 100-130 yrs old.
Aspen symbolizes eloquence, lamentation, wealth, protection.
(Pic taken at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of natural history in Jamestown Ny. By sja)
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