The aspen tree is very important for industry, and for the environment too. It grows in a very wide area, and perfectly adapts to a variety of conditions of existence. At the same time, old aspens sometimes reach truly impressive sizes, growing taller than most of the surrounding trees.
Interesting facts about the aspen
- Botanically, its relatives are poplars and willows.
- On average, aspen lives up to 70-80 years, although some champions grew up to 150 years. This is not very much, considering that some trees grow for thousands of years (interesting facts about trees).
- An old aspen can reach a height of 35 meters, which is comparable to the height of a 10-story building. At the same time, the trunk diameter of even the oldest and most powerful trees usually does not exceed 1 meter.
- Aspens grow noticeably faster than most other trees. But such a rapid growth is offset by the fact that they are very susceptible to numerous tree diseases.
- A number of peoples have beliefs that aspen is a powerful remedy against evil spirits and other evil spirits.
- Adult aspens the size of the leaves is 2-4 times smaller than in very young ones.
- These trees successfully grow in a variety of conditions, from mountains and swamps to semi-deserts and the border of the tundra (interesting facts about the tundra).
- Aspen bark has been used since ancient times for tanning leather.
- Aspen is often called a noisy tree because its leaves begin to rustle even in the slightest breeze.
- Moose and deer willingly eat aspen leaves because they are rich in nutrients.
- Aspen propagates not only by seeds, but also by root shoots, and new trees sometimes grow 40-50 cm from the old one.
- Natural colors of yellow and red shades are made from aspen bark.
- Aspen is pollinated mainly by wind, not by insects.