aspen

Aspen is a common name for certain tree species; some, but not all, are classified by botanists in the section Populus, of the Populus genus. Species These species are called aspens: Populus adenopoda – Chinese aspen (China, south of P. tremula) Populus davidiana – Korean aspen (Eastern Asia) Populus grandidentata – Bigtooth aspen (eastern North America, south of P. tremuloides) Populus sieboldii – Japanese aspen (Japan) Populus tremula – Eurasian aspen (northern Europe and Asia) Populus tremuloides – Quaking aspen or trembling aspen (northern and western North America) Habitat and longevity Aspen trees are all native to cold regions with cool summers, in the north of the northern hemisphere, extending south at high-altitude areas such as mountains or high plains. They are all medium-sized deciduous trees reaching tall. In North America, the aspen is referred to as quaking aspen or trembling aspen because the leaves "quake" or tremble in the wind. This is due to their flattened petioles which reduce aerodynamic drag on the trunk and branches.