What are aspans?

1. What is special about Aspen trees?
2. Are aspens all one tree?
3. Are aspens going extinct?
4. Where do aspens grow?
5. Are aspen and poplar the same?
6. Why are aspens white?
7. How do aspens spread?
8. Is aspen a hardwood?
9. What are the fuzzy things on aspen trees?
10. What kills aspen trees?
11. What is killing the aspens in Colorado?
12. Is aspen good for building?
13. How fast do aspen trees grow?
14. Should I plant aspen trees in my yard?

What is special about Aspen trees?

Aspen is noted for its ability to regenerate vegetatively by shoots and suckers arising along its long lateral roots. Root sprouting results in many genetically identical trees, in aggregate called a "clone". All the trees in a clone have identical characteristics and share a root structure.

Are aspens all one tree?

A stand or group of aspen trees is considered a singular organism with the main life force underground in the extensive root system. ... In a single stand, each tree is a genetic replicate of the other, hence the name a “clone” of aspens used to describe a stand.

Are aspens going extinct?

Conservation Message

Because of their vegetative reproduction, aspens are in no danger of going extinct. Aspen forests will eventually become spruce and fir forests as the taller, more dense trees shade out the aspen underneath the canopy.

Where do aspens grow?

Quaking aspens are the most widely distributed tree species in North America. They grow in Alaska and Canada, all the way south to Mexico. They withstand such a wide range of climatic conditions by growing at lower altitudes in the north and higher altitudes in the south.

Are aspen and poplar the same?

Populus tremuloides is a deciduous tree native to cooler areas of North America, one of several species referred to by the common name aspen. It is commonly called quaking aspen, trembling aspen, American aspen, mountain or golden aspen, trembling poplar, white poplar, and popple, as well as others.

Why are aspens white?

The accumulated layer of bark cells on the surface of aspen trees do not stick together and do not form a solid mass of protective tissue. ... Younger cork cells tend to be orange in color whereas older cork cells are white and give aspens their ghostly appearance.

How do aspens spread?

Most aspens grow in large clonal colonies, derived from a single seedling, and spread by means of root suckers; new stems in the colony may appear at up to 30–40 m (100–130 ft) from the parent tree. Each individual tree can live for 40–150 years above ground, but the root system of the colony is long-lived.

Is aspen a hardwood?

Although aspen is a hardwood species, it is offered by the majority of softwood manufacturers. Aspen has creamy white sapwood with heartwood that changes from brown to greyish white without any visible transition.

What are the fuzzy things on aspen trees?

Aspen catkins, which emerge before leaves appear, are cylindrical in shape and fuzzy, with feather-like tufts of hair adorning numerous tiny seeds. Their fluffy appearance is endearing. But it is the fate of the catkins that really captures the imagination, tempting us to look ahead to the future.

What kills aspen trees?

The right way to remove aspen is to kill the tree and the root system with an herbicide and cut it down after it is dead. To kill aspens apply the herbicide Roundup to the base of the trunk. Drill a series of holes into the trunk at a 45 degree angle and fill the holes with concentrated herbicide.

What is killing the aspens in Colorado?

Why are so many trees dying now? Most of the aspen forests in Colorado developed after a stand-replacing disturbance such as fire. ... Forest tent caterpillars and large aspen tortrix eat aspen leaves, and periodic outbreaks may defoliate entire aspen canopies in early summer (Figure 2).

Is aspen good for building?

Aspen lumber is easily air seasoned or kiln dried, but there is some loss from collapse in kiln drying. The collapse occurs primarily in the areas of discolored or brown-stained'wood. Lumber up to 2 inches thick, properly piled and air seasoned, is satisfactory for most build- ing purposes.

How fast do aspen trees grow?

Growth Rate

This tree grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24" per year.

Should I plant aspen trees in my yard?

Some gardeners love them, some do not. Aspen trees grow very quickly and are very hardy. That means that you can “furnish” a new backyard in just a few seasons if you plant aspens. Aspens are small and won't overwhelm your yard, and sometimes they provide nice autumn color.