Aspen (Populus tremula) - male catkin close up - February 2018

A small colony of Aspen trees within the grounds around the Honiton park and ride area. ===Information=== Aspen is a type of deciduous tree that belongs to the willow family. There are six species of aspen that can be found in the temperate areas of the northern hemisphere. Aspen grows in the sunny areas, on a moist, but well-drained soil. Native to cool regions in the northern hemisphere, aspens grow in clonal colonies, particularly in ancient woods and heaths and also on well drained soil near rivers. It flourishes in open sunlight and moist soil and is intolerant of shade. It is most common in the north-west of Scotland. Aspen trees attract a wide variety of insects, including two gall midges and the aspen hoverfly, which feeds in dead aspen wood. These insects provide a variety of food for predators such as bird and ladybirds. Deadwood cavities provide nesting opportunities for birds such as the woodpecker. Aspen is a preferred species for beavers, which are native to the UK. Aspen can be seen in the woods, mountains, valleys, parks and near the waterways. This tree represents important source of food for the animals. Unlike many plant species, aspen can survive forest fires and easily populate destroyed areas. People cultivate aspen because of its ornamental morphology and calming effect that sound of trembling leaves produces. Aspen can grow from 49 to 98 feet in height, depending on the species. It usually grows to the height of 65 feet. Aspen has green, round or oval leaves that are serrated on the edges. Colour of the leaves changes from green to golden yellow during the autumn. Even the slightest breeze triggers trembling of leaves because of their light-weight and long leaf-stalks. Aspen has strong root system that can reach 40 feet in diameter. It can easily destroy sidewalks and underground sewers in the urban areas. Aspen produces cylindrical-shaped clusters of flowers called catkins. Aspen usually blooms during March and April. Flowers can be seen on the tree before first leaves appear. Aspen is dioecious plant which means that male and female flowers develop on the separate trees. Aspen produces hundreds of miniature, hairy seed that are easily dispersed by wind. Aspen is important source of food for forest animals. Beavers eat bark, twigs and leaves and use branches to build dams. Deer eat the twigs and leaves, while rabbits and hares consume bark of the tree. Songbirds eat the seed, flower buds and fruit. . Native Americans were using leaves of aspen in treatment of burned skin, swollen joints and headache. Bark was used in treatment of urinary tract and stomach disorders. Wood of aspen tree has application in the industry of paper and matches. Aspen wood is lightweight, and was used for making oars and paddles, surgical splints and wagon bottoms. Heat-resistant wood of aspen have application in the manufacture of interior parts of sauna and roofing. Ancient Greeks were wearing crowns made of leaves of aspen because they believed that aspen possesses magical properties. Also, Greek warriors used wood of aspen to manufacture shields . According to the widespread belief, stake made of aspen wood can kill vampires and werewolves. A crown made of aspen leaves was said to give its wearer the power to visit and return safely from the Underworld. Aspen crowns found in ancient burial mounds may have been included to allow the spirits of the deceased to be reborn. Aspis, the aspen's Greek name, means shield, which was one of the many traditional uses of its wood. Some people believe that life's mysteries can be revealed by careful listening of the sound produced by trembling leaves of aspen. Lifespan of aspen depends on the vegetative part of the tree. Parts of the plant that grow above the ground live 40 to 150 years (depending on the species), while root may survive thousands of years. ===Other common names=== asp aps haps tree quaking aspen trembling tree ===Information sourced from=== ift.tt/2BpZ3LY ift.tt/2BRPWEI ift.tt/2BpZ4Q2 ift.tt/1NSfcM7 ===Scientific classification=== Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Rosids Order: Malpighiales Family: Salicaceae Genus: Populus Section: Populus sect. Populus Species: P. tremula

Taken on: February 11, 2018

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Aspen

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February

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