What is the legend of the aspen tree?

Of old the aspen was a tree of heroes, whose crowns of trembling leaves gave them the power not only to visit the Underworld, but also to return safely. Similarly, the aspen crowns people placed in ancient burial mounds may have been to allow the spirits of the deceased to return to be reborn.

What does the aspen represent?

The aspen – also known as poplar – was associated with language, communication, the wind, endurance and resurrection. Crowns of aspen or poplar leaves have been found in ancient burial grounds thought to be there in order to aid the dead on their path to rebirth.

Why is aspen tree important?

Species in the genus Populus known as “aspen” are of global importance due to their high capacity for supporting biodiversity and providing many other important ecosystem services, including soil carbon sequestration, livestock forage, revegetation capacity, and novel wood products that have been documented extensively …

Is every aspen tree connected?

Above ground, aspen grow as individual trees, but below ground they’re enlivened by one interconnected set of roots. They are the most expansive growth of trees19 to share a common root system. This means they are one living organism and one living community—at the same time!

What does quivering aspen mean?

Definition of quaking aspen : an aspen (Populus tremuloides) chiefly of the U.S. and Canada with small nearly circular leaves that have flattened petioles and finely serrate margins and that flutter in the slightest breeze.

Is aspen wood good for anything?

The light-colored aspen is frequently used to make cheese containers and baskets and all kinds of crates and boxes. It is an excellent wood for excelsior – wood wool – and for pulp and paper making. It is also used to make brake blocks and for furniture parts and interiors.

Why do aspen leaves tremble?

In the case of the aspen, the petiole is flat, instead of the usual round. So instead of the flat leaf and stem being in the same plane, the flat petiole is attached at a 90-degree angle to the flat leaf. That causes the leaf’s trembling movement.

Are aspens connected?

The new trees are genetically identical to the parent tree. This process of reproduction can grow vast forests of aspen that are all interconnected by roots and are one genetic individual.

Why are aspens white?

The accumulated layer of bark cells on the surface of aspen trees do not stick together and do not form a solid mass of protective tissue. Younger cork cells tend to be orange in color whereas older cork cells are white and give aspens their ghostly appearance.

Should I plant aspens in my yard?

Aspen. Quaking aspen trees have showy autumn foliage and attractive bark for winter landscapes. A single tree can spawn an entire grove with its weedy suckers, making it a potential maintenance nightmare if it’s planted in a small yard or too close to neighboring properties.

Where are aspens native?

Aspen trees are all native to cold regions with cool summers, in the north of the northern hemisphere, extending south at high-altitude areas such as mountains or high plains.

What do you call a group of aspen trees?

Called “Pando,” which is Latin for “I spread,” the group of quaking aspens is considered one of the largest — by area — and most massive living organisms on earth. The quaking aspen, found from coast to coast across North America, grows in groups called stands.

What is the spiritual meaning of an aspen tree?

Of old the aspen was a tree of heroes, whose crowns of trembling leaves gave them the power not only to visit the Underworld, but also to return safely. Similarly, the aspen crowns people placed in ancient burial mounds may have been to allow the spirits of the deceased to return to be reborn.

What is the origin of the Irish aspen tree?

In Greek mythology, poplar leaves were worn by heroes venturing into the underworld. The leaves were thought to have the power to pass freely between the worlds. The Greek name for aspen is ‘aspis’ which literally means shield. This association transferred over to Ireland where the aspen was known as the shield makers’ tree.

What is the significance of a crown of aspen leaves?

Crowns of aspen or poplar leaves have been found in ancient burial grounds thought to be there in order to aid the dead on their path to rebirth. In Greek mythology, poplar leaves were worn by heroes venturing into the underworld. The leaves were thought to have the power to pass freely between the worlds.

What is the scientific name of Aspen?

The Aspen is the Celtic tree of the autumn equinox. It is the nineteenth letter of the ogham alphabet ‘Eadha’. The Latin name for aspen is ‘populus tremula’ meaning trembling poplar because the leaves of the aspen appear to tremble in the wind.