Aspen Trees
So why do we study aspen?
- Poplars (which include aspen) are known to be competitors and have a fast growth rate.
- Populus Tremuloides (a type of aspen) are the most widely distributed poplar in North America.
- Aspen can withstand a variety of stresses.
Some Interesting Characteristics of Aspen
- Aspen tend to have a lot of horizontal roots which are used for suckering if trees die out due to fire or other causes.
- Aspen bark often remains green even late in life.
- Aspen is capable of photosynthesis at low air temperatures (5 degrees Celsius or less).
The pictures above were taken at the Aspen FACE Experiment
For details about aspen morphology and other characteristics, you can visit this webpage.
Lieffers, V.J., S.M. Landhausser, and E.H. Hogg, 2001. Is the Wide Distribution of Aspen a Result of Its Stress Tolerance? USDA Forest Service Proceedings RMRS-P-18.pp 311-323.
