Aspen, European aspen, Quaking aspen
Populus tremula
Family: Salicaceae
What it is like
A small tree. It grows 15 m high and spreads 10 m wide. The bark is dark grey and cracked. The leaves are grey-green. They tremble in the breeze. They are finely hairy and whiter underneath. The leaves turn yellow and orange in autumn.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 2-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Andorra, Australia, Belarus, Belgium, Estonia, Europe, Finland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mongolia, North Africa, Russia, Scandinavia, Siberia, Sweden
How it is used for food
The wood and sawdust are used to smoke meat and also used as an ingredient in bread and for vinegar. The dried leaves are put under bread during baking.
Edible parts
Bark, sap, leaves - flavouring, leaves - tea
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Drebule, Haab, Osina, Pedai, Swedish aspen, Topolis