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Show MOUNTAIN SPECIES OF THE TIMES MONTH Extraordinary Aspens Rich in Human that which he range marker of Robideaux would fare fall. at well rendezvous sought: this North American fur trappers, the French prospected aspen gold — beaver — in the 1820s, much like prospectors of the California Gold Rush of thel850s. A trapper need only breach a hole in a beaver dam, set an aspen stick in the break and attach the stick to a trap. When the otherwise shy beaver emerged for repairs, he instinctively grabbed the stick. Voila! He was snapped by a pelt preserving trap, pulled under water and drowned. By the end of the year the beaver’s stretched skin was on its way to becoming a gentleman’s top hat, the status-wear of the first half of the 19th century. Aspens are the chief building material of beaver dams. They are also a beavers preferred food. A beaver fells an aspen for the central trunk and arger branches. Leafy twigs are eaten on the spot or anchored with mud to the bottom of the pond for winter storage. In addition to beaver, the number of native animals dependent upon aspen includes snowshoe hare, moose, black bear, cottontail rabbit, porcupine, deer, grouse, and elk, all of which feed on aspen buds and bark. Carl Linneaus dubbed the aspen genus Populus in 1753 for the similarity of the tree’s trembling leaves to the bobbing heads of human masses. One hundred years later, Frenchman Andre Michaux named the species tremuloides for the constant tremble of each leaf. Father De Smet, a French mis- sionary in the Pacific Northwest, wrote that Christian fur trappers had developed their own explanation for the trembling, a superstition that aspens had furnished the wood for the cross of Jesus. Since that time the tree had shivered in shame of God. Aspen leaves do quake more that those of other trees. The reason lies in the structure of the leaf. While the leaf stems of other trees are flattened in the same dimension as the leaf itself, aspen leaf stems and blades are flattened perpendicularly to one another. This causes a floppy joint at the point of attach- ment. Consequently, an aspen leaf piv- Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific and in mountains of the western U.S., aspen play a vital role in successional forest and fire ecology. Following a forest fire in a climax coniferous forest, aspen is the first tree to return The ground is covered with a thousand “baby” trees in less than two years. Stimulated by light - and some say high temperatures provided by the fire itself — they sprout from extensive under- ground root systems, or clones. ith newfound sunshine, aspens flourish into a thick forest underlain with dappled shade required for germination of conifer seeds. Aspens serve conifers as nurse trees until the conifers tower over them and shade them out. The clonal root system lies dormant again until the next fire. Theoretically, an aspen clone could be up to 10,000 years old — the original seed having germinated shortly after last ice age. Some clones are UTAH MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS . 1580 EAST SOUTH CAMPUS DRIVE . UNIVERSITY OF UTAH . 581-7049 offered STORE ride, MUSEUM conifers. A broad canyon, half a day’s aspens, beaver. the leaves and white trunks are recognizable from miles away. The smooth bark is chalky white except on very old trees or where it has been scarred Rough black scars come from limbs broken off; antler sharpening of deer, moose and elk; claw sharpening of bears; and carving of 20th century vandals. As the most widespread tree of North America, ranging across THE rom the valley of River Buena Ventura (Green River), Robideaux scanned the range the Utes called Shining Mountains. The voyageur noted the occurrence of soft green leaves contrasting with the heavy green ots freely, dancing on every breath of wind. No other tree can be confused with aspen. Pale green leaves in spring, or the color of clearest gold in autumn; e By Pamela Mills Poulson Manager of Environmental Education Red Butte Garden and Arboretum History extensive, covering several square acres. The world’s largest living organism is an aspen clone here in Utah, near Fish Lake. Pando Clone covers 106 acres (over 300 football fields). Family member stems (ramets) of aspen clones are easily detected. Like a patchwork quilt, “groves” of aspen with identical genetic characteristics are all one organism. Look for trunk shape, bark color, branching pattern and timing on spring leafing or autumn color change. These are also characteristics horticulturists seek when prospecting mountains for new selections. One popular selection is a narrow upright form, with incredibly white bark that was discovered on the Kaibab Plateau. Another selection has redish fall color. Once desired features are found, cuttings are made from the typical tree and reproduced by rooting. he clonal sprouting lifestyle makes aspen a poor choice for home landscaping. Despite all precautions, aspen will sprout up through lawn about three years after planting and forever after. Aspen is also more prone to galls and leaf blight in the home landscape. Galls are knobby protuberances caused by a boring insect. Leaf blight is a fungus that turns leaves black, overpowering the gold autumn color we hoped for. Once a clone contracts blight, it is susceptible to it every year Both diseases will eventually kill the entire clone. Horticulturists continue to seek non-cloning and disease resistant selections. Aspens form an essential link in coniferous forest ecology. Aspens pro- Aspen, Populus tremuloides Also Known As: Quaking aspen, Trembling aspen, Tremblon (French), alamillo blanco (little white poplar, Spanish) Description: Common mountain, white barked, deciduous tree, up to 60 feet tall, Typically forms large clonal colonies. What it can be confused with: Populus tremulus of eastern North America, otherwise, nothing. ing Period: Very early in the spring, while snow is still on the ground. Male flowers resemble pussy willows. Female flowers with mature seeds resemble dangling cat's tails. Autumn Color: Because of water conserving clonal lifestyle, autumn color is usually showy, in late September through October. Coloring from clear yellow through orange red. Range: In moist sandy soils across the northern part of the western hemisphere. From 6,000 to 11,000 feet elevauion. Habitat: Moist, open sunny places, often in areas that have been burned over or disturbed. Associates: Sagebrush, mountain brush, Douglas fir, Lodgepole pine, spruce and fir. Edibility: Green growing layer just under the bark (cambium) can be utilized as a pain reliever. Cultural Notes: Because of cloning habit, does not transplant well. A few selected varieties available at local nurseries. Grows vigorously from clonal root system and once established, can easily overwhelm a tidy yard. Must be constantly controlled. Not recommended for the home landscape. vide food and shelter for numerous wildlife species. Aspens represent a rich human history. Aspens are incredibly gold in autumn. This month, prospect for your own gold. Feel the smooth trunks. Listen to the distinctive rustle of leaves. Remember the beaver and French voyageur. Savor quaking aspens, a most extraordinary Offering A Fine Selection of Stationery, Gifts, Cards, Books and More! MARIE LOUISE ELISABETH VIGEE LE BRUN, French (1755-1842) Portrait of the Young Countess Schouvalof (Elizabeth Viadmirovna), 1797 Oil on canvas, 33 x 27 3/4 in. Acc. 1993.034.014 PAGE 7 tree. @ |
