Quaking Aspen (Ep. 15) - Botany with Brit

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Did you know that aspens are capable of regenerating through sprouts from a communal root system that can survive for hundreds or sometimes thousands of years?! These groves of genetically identical aspen are called clones, and they can be most clearly observed in fall and spring when the trees comprising the clone all turn yellow together or all leaf out simultaneously.

Quaking aspen is the most widely distributed tree in North America with a range that extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific, reaching north into the boreal forests of Canada and occurring in isolated populations in Mexico. Native Americans and early pioneers used aspen medicinally for relief from colds, infections, and pains - like other members of the willow family it contains salicin, the substance from which aspirin is derived. Aspens also contain the alkaloid quinine which is useful in treating malaria, and prior to the 1880s this disease was much more prevalent in North America.

To thrive, aspen needs abundant sunlight, and our modern habit of fire suppression has allowed conifer forests to shade out the aspen groves. Aspens have a low flammability level which creates a natural firebreak, making them desirable in the vicinity of homes. But you don't want them too close because the aggressive root systems will poke holes in your septic system. Eww.

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