Plants and People Project
Aspen - Populus tremula
Native Americans collected a sap from the inner bark. They drank the sap for energy. NativeTech.org How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine and Crafts.
Many parts of the Quaking Aspen were used to make medicines.
It is reported that cosmetic benefits can be gained for the skin by bathing once a week with a solution made from the bark. Indian Herbology of North AmericaThe bark is used by veterinarians as a vermifuge. (A vermifuge is a medicine that causes the expulsion of worms or parasites from the body.) The Herbalist
The principal uses of the wood are for boxes, matches and pulp for paper. Audubon Field Guide to Trees of the Eastern Region Many wild and domesticated animals eat the leaves and twigs of Aspen trees.
Beavers especially like aspen trees for browse. Animals use the dense thickets of these trees for shelter and as nesting sites to raise their young.
The Aspen is a host plant for the Viceroy, Red-spotted Purple and the Tiger Swallowtail butterflies. Butterflies and Host Plants
It is a wonderful landscape tree with 4 seasons of interest. Aspens make a fast growing privacy screen.
How Aspen came to Tremble - a Blackfoot story
Angiosperm families off site
What tree is it? off site
DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past. Be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.
Identification and other facts / More facts / Further Facts
Quaking Aspen
The leaves of these trees tremble with
the slightest breeze.
Their rustling sounds like falling rain.
The light grey bark is beautiful in the winter landscape.
Next Plant
Plant & People Index 