59. Populus tremuloides – Quaking Aspen
Scientific Name: Populus tremuloides
Nativity: North America
Interesting Info:
The quaking aspen was named for its slight quaking foliage in the breeze. A stand of aspen has an interconnected web of roots and truly is only one organism. In fact, stands of aspen start as this complicated root system and then sprout up into trunks and leaves. Aspen stick to this type of vegetative reproduction the majority of the time, and will only reproduce with flowers under specific environmental conditions. Aspen populations began decreasing in 1996 and have been on the decline ever since. No pest or disease has been identified; many researchers believe that the decline is due to fire suppression.
DBH: 9.7 inches