• Common name: American Aspen, Quaking Aspen, Trembling Aspen
  • Scientific name: Populus tremulloides
  • Where does it grow: A wide area across the northern United States and into Canada
  • How tall does the tree grow: Up to 50 feet tall with a spread of 20 to 30 feet at maturity
  • Tree trunk diameter:  From 8 inches to 2 feet 7 inches 
  • Color of lumber: Whiteish, creamy grey to grey brown
  • Grain: fine grained, uniform in texture, generally no distinctive pattern
  • Janka hardness: 350 (soft)
  • Cost per board foot: Just over $4 a board foot (May 20, 2025)

Notes:  Can be used as an alternative to holly for intarsia projects.  American Aspen trees are easily recognized by their flat, paper thin leaves that give off a shimmering appearance (hence the names “quaking” and “trembling” aspen). Aspen trees grow in groves with a shared root system.

​Woods that are grouped into the scientific genus of “populus” include cottonwood, aspen and poplar. This is a bit misleading since here in the US, the wood we refer to as “poplar” is Yellow Poplar, which isn’t really a poplar at all (it is a scientifically unrelated hardwood that has similar characteristics called liriodendron tulipifera).
Picture
American Aspen Trees
Picture
American Aspen Tree Lumber