Trembling Aspen
(Populus tremuloides)
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The Aspen Poplar or Trembling Aspen is a very common tree found in mixed woodland, with Birch, and the edge of farm land. It is fast growing and is harvested for its light coloured wood.
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The leaves are heart shaped and light yellow/green in colour. They appear after the catkins in May.
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The leaves posses long stalks so that when the wind blows, they tremble, hence the name trembling aspen. |
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The bark of the aspen is light in colour, smooth and thin. As trees mature the bark may become dark grey furrowed and thick. |
The flowers are found in the soft, drooping, caterpillar-like ‘catkins’ which hang from the twigs. |
Male and female catkins are found on different trees. The female catkins are vase-shaped and stay green until the sticky seeds are released . |
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Male catkins emerge in late winter and lengthen in spring when red/pink pollen sacs can be observed. After they have released their pollen into the air the catkin dries up and falls off. |
Choosing your tree
•Choose a male tree in an area that you visit regularly
•Avoid trees which are within 10 metres of any buildings.
•Tag your chosen tree using a ribbon or other marker
What to record
•Record when the catkins on your chosen tree first start shedding pollen (in three different places on the tree)
•Make a note of when 50% of the male catkins have lengthened and shed pollen
•Finally, record when the first leaves push out of their buds and unfold completely (in three places on the tree)