Quaking Aspen
Populus tremuloides · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Widespread across North America, particularly cold northern regions and mountainous areas of the West.
- Hardness
- 350 lbf (Very Soft)
- Durability
- Non-durable, highly susceptible to rot, decay, and insect attack when exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a fine, uniform texture.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light grayish-brown sapwood with little visible distinction from the heartwood. Low natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, highly susceptible to rot, decay, and insect attack when exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Low value, approximately $1.50 to $3.00 per board foot in lumber form, often sold primarily as pulpwood or firewood logs.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently harvested small-diameter roundwood log, estimated to be under 1 year since cutting.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, evaluated as Least Concern by the IUCN. Highly abundant and fast-growing.
Common Uses
Pulpwood, OSB panels, matchsticks, crating, lightweight boxes, animal bedding, and occasional rustic paneling or turning.
Geographic Origin
Widespread across North America, particularly cold northern regions and mountainous areas of the West.
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can sometimes produce fuzzy surfaces during sanding or planning due to its low density.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains and finishes evenly, though a sanding sealer may be helpful to prevent fuzzing on end grain or face grain.
Notable Features
Lightweight, low bending strength, non-resinous, and relatively odorless once dry. The bark features characteristic greenish-gray tones with lenticels.
