Native Trees of Prince Edward IslandTrembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides)
Trembling aspen is found throughout Prince Edward Island. It is not a large tree, averaging about 40 feet in height and 8 to 10 inches in diameter, when mature.
The trunk is slender, with a gradual taper, and extends almost to the top of the tree. The moderately stout crown is round-topped and open.
Poplar, as it is called here, grows best on a well-drained loam, but is found on a wide variety of soils. It will not grow in the shade of other trees and occurs frequently in pure stands, or mixed with white birch, pin cherry, large-toothed aspen. It reproduces very quickly and easily by means of root suckers.
Source:"Native Trees of Prince Edward Island and the more Common Woodland Shrubs". by J.F. Gaudet and W.M. Profitt Dept. of Agriculture. Charlottetown, PEI. 1958.
Trembling Aspen leaf.
For more pictures and descriptions of this species, check out the Atlantic Forestry Centre and the Dendrology at Virginia Tech page. For a through review of the ecology, refer to the Silvics of North America
In 1806, John Stewart wrote an excellent description of Forest Trees and Other Vegetable Productions on PEI at that time.
Trembling Aspen typical tree form.
Trembling aspen leaf.
Trembling aspen twig.
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We offer a number of workshops and guided tours at the Macphail Woods and it is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the native trees of Prince Edward Island. Check out the Events Calendar for more information. Web development and maintenance by Chris Martin.

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