| National Champion
| Quaking Aspen Populous tremuloides Willow Family — Poplar Genus Kootenai National Forest Troy, Montana Circumference = 97 inches (8 feet)
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The Quaking Aspen is the most widely distributed tree in North America—this transcontinental tree extends from Newfoundland to Alaska, south to Mexico and California.
Also called Trembling Aspen and Small-toothed Aspen, it is best known and named for the graceful, eye-catching way its leaves flutter in the slightest wind; air must be very still if the foliage is not trembling. Unlike oaks, ashes and maples, this species grows to spectacular height, but rarely develops much girth.
In the autumn, the Quaking Aspen turns a bright, golden yellow.
| Identification & Culture |
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Located in Kootenai National Forest near the Yak River in northwest Montana, this tall, slender Quaking Aspen became the new National Champion in 2000 after the previous National Champion in Michigan blew down, and the runner-up in Arizona suffered top damage.
In August 2000, Montana chapter founder Martin Flanagan (below) and Michigan chapter founder David Milarch (at left) were guided to the tree by its nominator, U.S. Forest Service forest technician Alan Lane (below). Arborist Gary Kleinhassellink climbed this tall towering tree (right) and cut off budwood for preservation and propagation in a nursery.
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