Big-toothed aspen (Populus grandidentata)

Form

Medium to large; height sometimes 60' to 80', diameter 10" to 20"; slender rather rigid branches create narrow round-topped crown.

Bark

Smooth, gray or yellowish-green; furrowed and dark brown at base of old trees.

Leaf

Simple, alternate on stem, length 2" to 4"; coarse-toothed; dark green upper surface turning yellow in autumn; appears one to two weeks later than that of quaking aspen, and at first is silvery white. Buds are light gray, downy, and larger than those of quaking aspen.

Fruit (seed)

Capsules are grouped in 3" to 6" long catkins; matures in late spring.

Range

Found on sandy or rich soils that are moist; common, except in the southwestern and northeastern parts of Minnesota; shade-intolerant, very fast-growing.