- Wildlife
- Trees and shrubs
- Aspen
Ferran Turmo Gort
About
Aspen is a small, slender poplar tree of heathland, woodland and wet woodland, and can particularly be found in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Aspen are known as 'colonial trees' because they spread by growing suckers from their roots from which new shoots appear. They can form extensive groves in this many. However, Aspen also reproduce sexually through wind pollination: flowers can be seen from February to March and the male and female catkins appear on separate trees.
How to identify
Aspen can be recognised by its greyish bark, hanging catkins and its small, rounded leaves with pale undersides that flutter distinctively in the wind.
Where to find it
Widespread.
Habitats
When to find it
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Novermber
- December
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
How can people help
The Wildlife Trusts manage many woodland nature reserves sympathetically for wildlife by ensuring a range of appropriate tree species, such as Aspen, provide food and shelter. You can help too: volunteer for The Wildlife Trusts and you could be involved in everything from traditional forest crafts to raising awareness about woodland wildlife.