Quaking Aspen (or White Poplar)
Populus tremuloides • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight with a fine, uniform texture; lacks significant figure or pronounced rings in face grain.
Color Description
Heartwood is a creamy white to very light brown; sapwood is not clearly demarcated from heartwood. It maintains a pale, light-colored appearance with low natural luster.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; very susceptible to decay and insect attack if exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Pulpwood, crates, boxes, matches, tongue depressors, sauna benches (due to low heat conductivity), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
North America, ranging from Alaska and Canada to the central United States.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot (primarily sold as utility lumber).
Wood Age Estimate
Living specimen; estimated juvenile stage, approximately 10-20 years based on trunk diameter and smooth bark texture.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES listed; frequently FSC certified.
Workability
Easy to work with hand and machine tools, but can be fuzzy when sanding or planing due to low density. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Essentially odorless and tasteless; leaves (on living tree) tremble in the slightest breeze due to flattened petioles.
Finish Recommendations
Takes paint and stains well, though a sealer is recommended to prevent blotchiness. Water-based polyurethanes help maintain its white color.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; based on the distinctive smooth, white/gray bark with dark horizontal 'eye' scars (lenticels) and leaf canopy shape shown in the living specimen photo.