Quaking Aspen (American Aspen / Poplar)
Populus tremuloides · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Native across cold and temperate regions of Northern North America, spanning Alaska and Canada down through the western United States to Mexico.
- Hardness
- 350 lbf (Very Soft)
- Durability
- Non-durable to perishable; very low natural resistance to decay, rot, and insect attack (susceptible to beetles and termites).
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Grain Pattern
Straight, fine, uniform texture with weak or subtle growth rings, lacking figure or pronounced grain contrast.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is off-white to light creamy brown; sapwood is almost white and blends seamlessly into heartwood. Luster is low to medium, and exposure to light causes slight darkening to light grayish-brown.
Hardness (Janka)
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to perishable; very low natural resistance to decay, rot, and insect attack (susceptible to beetles and termites).
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $2.50 - $4.50 per board foot for solid lumber; low commercial value as fine furniture lumber.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Living tree estimate: Mature specimen approximately 60 to 100+ years old, indicated by thick, deeply furrowed, dark bark along the lower trunk contrasted with smooth, pale upper bark.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN Red List). Highly sustainable, abundant species spread via massive clonal root systems; non-CITES listed.
Common Uses
Pulpwood for paper, OSB/particleboard, matches, wooden crates, saunas (due to low thermal conductivity and non-splintering nature), chopsticks, and light utility lumber.
Geographic Origin
Native across cold and temperate regions of Northern North America, spanning Alaska and Canada down through the western United States to Mexico.
Workability
Easy to cut and shape, but prone to fuzzy surfaces when planed or sanded due to soft, fibrous structure. Glues and fastens well, though holding power for screws/nails is low.
Finish Recommendations
Requires careful sanding with sharp abrasive paper; blotch-prone, so a sanding sealer or pre-stain conditioner is recommended before applying oil, shellac, or clear lacquer finishes.
Notable Features
Extremely lightweight, does not splinter easily, low thermal conductivity, leaves flutter in light breeze on flattened petioles, grows in huge clonal colonies.
