Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides)

A little off the trail there is a young Quaking aspen sapling. Leaves are rounded and triangular with small teeth on the margins. They are arranged alternately on the branches. When older the bark is mostly smooth to chalk-white or yellow-green.

This tree species is found in forest edges forests, meadows, fields, shrublands, and occasionally wetlands. It can hybridize naturally with other species such as bigtooth aspen and white poplar. Most importantly, it attracts a variety of birds, mammals, and butterflies. It has high palatability for deer.

This species was added to the tour due to its unique characteristics and ecological importance.