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What to watch for:
The leaves opening out. These leaves are pale, soft and have a white, woolly look to their undersides.

Trembling Aspen is a common tree in Nova Scotia, although it rarely grows in large clusters, except in burnt-out areas. It is usually scattered among other tree species, often growing on the wetter parts of the land. It usually has grey bark. Its leaves are broad and approximately oval in shape and are often wider than they are long. The leaves have finely jagged edges and sometimes have very noticeable veins. The buds at the tip of the branches are shiny brown and smooth. Aspen produces catkins composed of hundreds of tiny flowers without petals. There are about 5 cm long and appear before the leaves come out. Male and female catkins grow on different trees.

Did you know? ... Aspen is an important food source for wildlife and its wood is often used to make wooden toys, baskets and flooring.

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