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Abstract
Quaking aspen, or trembling aspen (
Populus tremuloides), was named and described by Michaux in 1803. It exhibits marked phenotypic variability throughout its transcontinental range. Numerous authors, especially the early ones, tried to give order to the variability by subdividing it taxonomically. Quahng aspen has been subdivided by various taxonomists at one time or another into 4 species and 13 varieties or forms (Barnes 1969, Beetle 1974). However, Little (1953, 1979) recognized quaking aspen as a single heterogeneous species without subspecific taxa. Barnes (1969) found that much of the total morphological variation within the whole complex can be found in various combinations within single locales. His observation is supported indirectly by numerous observations and investigations of the variation in aspen in the West, notably by Greene (1971).
Parent Publication
Citation
Harper, Kimball T.; Shane, John D.; Jones, John R. 1985. Taxonomy. In: DeByle, Norbert V.; Winokur, Robert P., editors. Aspen: Ecology and management in the western United States. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report RM-119. Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Fort Collins, Colo. p. 7-8
