Aspen Report

The Quaking Aspen, or is a member of the Willow Family. The Quaking Aspen got its name because its leaves move in even the slightest breeze. The Aspen tree can range from 66 to 82 feet in height and average 7 to 12 inches in diameter. It is the most common tree in all of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. The Aspen tree grows on a variety of soils, the best soils for it being derived from igneous rock. It requires certain kinds of nutrients including calcium, magnesium, potassium and nitrogen. For reproduction, the Aspen Tree grows 10 cm long fruits which are made up of a string of little capsules. Each of the capsules contain 10 seeds surrounded in a cotton like fluff to aid in the dispersal of the seeds. The young Aspens often fall prey to grazing cattle and other heriborus animals. This grazing kept the young trees from being able to mature and this resulted in a dieback, or massive death of many trees. The Aspen tree usually resides in forested areas, but I have seen them nearly everywhere. During the fall, the leaves of the Aspen Tree turn into colors of bright yellow and red. The leaves eventually fall off for the winter. Caterpillars often use the Aspen leaves as sources for food and a place to make a cacoon and turn into a butterfly. Bird use the dead trees to build houses for themselves.