Bigtooth Aspen

Populus grandidentata

Bigtooth Aspen has big, round leaves that are fun to see in the wind! This tree is also known for its white bark.

Habitat: Woodlands and hills

Appearance

The Bigtooth Aspen is a tall, slender tree with smooth, greenish-gray bark that develops furrows with age. Its distinctive leaves are broadly oval with large, rounded teeth, turning a brilliant gold or orange in autumn, making its canopy stand out.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalpighialesFamilySalicaceaeGenusPopulus

Bigtooth Aspen

Interesting facts

Aspens are famous for their leaves that 'quake' and shimmer with the slightest breeze!

One Bigtooth Aspen colony in Michigan covers over 100 acres and is one giant living thing!

Their smooth, pale bark can photosynthesize, making food even when leaves are gone!

Young aspen trees are a favorite snack for beavers and deer in the forest!

Special abilities

Bigtooth Aspens can rapidly grow towards sunlight, allowing them to quickly colonize open, disturbed areas after events like fires.

Bigtooth Aspen has special roots that send out new shoots, forming large groves of genetically identical trees.

Its flattened leaf stems allow leaves to tremble and 'quiver' in the slightest breeze, helping cool the tree and maximize light capture.

Measurements & details

Height: 18-27 m
Spread: 7-12 m
Edible: No
Size: 30-60 cm
Lifespan: 50-70 years
Fruit Type: Capsule
Growth Rate: Fast
Leaf Type: Deciduous

Ecological connections

Eats

Beaver

Castor canadensis

Feeds on bark and twigs.

Eats

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Browses on young leaves and shoots.

Depends on

Canadian Tiger Swallowtail

Papilio canadensis

Caterpillars feed on aspen leaves.

Eats

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

Drills holes in bark to drink the sap.

Traits

Deciduous

Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.

Broadleaf Tree

Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.

Fall Color

Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.

Forest

Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.

Also known as

Largetooth Aspen

Collections

Trees

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Bigtooth Aspen?

Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How tall is Bigtooth Aspen?

18-27 m

How wide does Bigtooth Aspen spread?

7-12 m

Is Bigtooth Aspen edible?

How big is Bigtooth Aspen?

30-60 cm

How long does Bigtooth Aspen live?

50-70 years

Where is Bigtooth Aspen usually found?

Woodlands and hills

What kind of fruit does Bigtooth Aspen produce?