Bigtooth aspen (Populus grandidentata, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 243 (1803))

Family: Salicaceae

Author: Michx.

Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 243 (1803)

Year: 1803

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Populus

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Canada to SE. U.S.A.

Description

The Bigtooth Aspen, scientifically known as Populus grandidentata, is a notable member of the Salicaceae family. First described by Michx. in his 1803 publication “Flora Boreali-Americana,” this deciduous tree has garnered attention for its unique characteristics and broad geographic distribution.

Bigtooth Aspen is widely distributed across North America, with its range extending from Western Canada to the Southeastern United States. Such a vast territory attests to the tree’s adaptability to various climatic and soil conditions.

Characteristically, the Bigtooth Aspen is named for its large, coarse-toothed leaves, which are distinct from those of other aspens. These leaves are typically broad, ovate, and exhibit a bright green color that turns a striking yellow in the autumn. The bark of the tree is smooth and greenish when young, aging to a rougher, grayish texture as the tree matures.

Ecologically, Bigtooth Aspen plays a significant role in forest dynamics. It is often one of the first species to colonize disturbed sites, such as areas cleared by fire or human activity. Its rapid growth rate enables it to quickly establish a canopy, providing habitat and food for various wildlife species. The tree is also crucial for soil stabilization and improving the nutrient profile of degraded lands.

Apart from its ecological importance, Bigtooth Aspen has practical uses. Its wood is relatively soft and light, making it suitable for various applications, including pulpwood for paper production, particleboard, and even matchsticks. Additionally, the tree’s aesthetic appeal and fast growth rate make it a popular choice for reforestation and ornamental planting.

In conclusion, Populus grandidentata is an invaluable species both ecologically and economically. Its extensive range from Western Canada to the Southeastern United States highlights its adaptability and importance in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems.

Common Names

Eng: bigtooth aspen, canadian aspen, large-tooth aspen, large-toothed aspen, big-toothed aspen, grand tremble, longtooth aspen
Dan: tandet asp
Fra: grand tremble, peuplier à grandes dents, tremble jaune
En: Bigtooth aspen, Large-tooth aspen, Canadian aspen, Big-Tooth Aspen, Large-toothed aspen, Grand tremble, Longtooth Aspen, Big-toothed aspen
Ar: حور كبير الأسنان
Da: Tandet asp
Nl: Grofgetande populier
Fi: Hammashaapa
Fr: Grand tremble, Peuplier à grandes dents, Tremble jaune
De: Großzähnige Pappel
Hu: Nagyfogú nyár
Tr: Büyük dişli kavak

Synonyms

• Populus grandidentata var. angustata (Vict.)
• Populus grandidentata f. coelestina (Tidestr.)
• Populus dentifolia (Kirwan)
• Populus grandidentata f. septentrionalis (Tidestr.)
• Populus tremula subsp. grandidentata ((Michx.) Á.Löve & D.Löve)
• Populus grandidentata var. subcordata (Vict.)
• Populus grandidentata f. meridionalis (Tidestr.)

Distribution

• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Austria (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Nov 1, 2022 by van Gammeren Jasper (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2021 by Michaël Lévesque-Dumont (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2013 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2021 by Lyne Chevalier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 24, 2021 by Tiphus Léthal (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 15, 2021 by Richard Bradshaw (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2022 by tomhuck88 (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2022 by Marilyse Goulet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 19, 2020 by Bianka Ansperger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2022 by tomhuck88 (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 10, 2019 by Peter V (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 17, 2013 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 18, 2013 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 7, 2014 by EOL − Erika Mitchell (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 12, 2014 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 31, 2022 by tomhuck88 (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 4, 2016 by EOL − Kyle Jones (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 13, 2014 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 1, 2014 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 26, 2014 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 26, 2014 by EOL − Erika Mitchell (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3040210)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:208297-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Populus grandidentata Michx.)

Specifications

Growth form: Single Stem

Growth habit: Tree

Growth rate: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.2

Ph minimum: 4.8