Because of their long, flat stems, the leaves of the trembling aspen quiver in the slightest breeze: this is what earned the tree its name. It is the most wide- spread tree in North America and grows from coast to coast. Like other poplars, it reproduces by root suckers: the roots of established trees sprout new offshoots that gradually become autonomous.

Although it prefers well-drained loam, the trembling aspen adapts to a wide variety of environments.

It forms pure stands and quickly becomes established on sites cleared by fire and logging or on vacant lots. Because of its intolerance of shade, it eventually yields to other species like spruce and fir. It also associates with white birch and jack pine.

The wood of the trembling aspen is light, soft and low in strength. Its colour ranges from white to gray.

It is used to make plywood, particleboard, pallets, crates, excelsior, matches, and pulp for paper.