Bigtooth Aspen

Order: Salicales

Family: Salicaceae

Genus: Populus

Species: P. grandidentata

Identifying Characteristics:

-Native, short-lived, dioecious, medium-sized deciduous tree with a straight trunk and gently ascending branches.

- Fruit a two-valved capsule

- Bigtooth aspen has 19 pairs of chromosomes (2n=38).

- Height at maturity 60'-80' with diameters of 8'-10'; grows rapidly.

- Age: Stands begin to deteriorate after 50-70 years on good sites, but individuals may live as long as 100 years

- Roots shallow and wide spreading; lateral root spread in a forest may be 33'-66'. Generally, four to five lateral roots originate from the tree and then branch within 2'; vertical, penetrating roots near the base anchor the tree.

- Bark of young trees smooth; after 30 years rough with grooves.

-Distinguished from Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) by having slightly larger leaves with large irregular teeth on the leaf edges. Quaking Aspen has finely toothed leaf edges.

Special Adaptations:

- Most commonly floodplains, gently rolling terrain, and the lower slopes of uplands. Large stands grow on sands, loamy sands, and light sandy loams. Lower soil pH limit of 4.0.

- Tolerates drier conditions than Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides). However, for good growth on upland sites the watertable must be at least 2', but not more than 5', below the surface.

- Soil must be moist but well aerated for good growth

- Very shade intolerant; most shaded stems die.

- Commonly occurs in areas that frequently burn, such as large upland areas distant from water and upwind of natural fire breaks such as lakes.