Quaking Aspen
Populus tremuloides · Salicaceae (Willow family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Broadly ovate to orbicular with an acute apex and truncate to cordate base, unlobed
Margin
Finely serrate to crenate
Arrangement
Alternate, with a long, laterally flattened petiole
Venation
Pinnate and reticulate with prominent midrib and basal veins
Key Features
The broadly ovate blade, finely serrate margin, acuminate tip, and noticeably flattened petiole visible in the image.
Description
A medium-sized deciduous tree with smooth, pale whitish-green bark marked with dark scars. Displays bright green summer foliage that turns vibrant golden-yellow in autumn, and produces catkin flowers in early spring before leaves emerge.
Habitat
Found in moist to dry well-drained soils, often forming extensive clonal colonies in full sun across boreal and montane forests.
Native Range
Native to cooler regions of North America, spanning from Alaska across Canada and down through the western United States and northern mountains.