In this Wildcrafting video I talk about how to identify Trembling Aspen, or Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) and how it can be used for food and medicine.
This is such a good example of how so many (most) of us in this society have lost touch with our surroundings and the earth in which we live. I grew up on a prairie farm where the aspen (we called them poplar trees) were the most common tree. We didn't pay much attention to it and did not understand any of the medicinal values you have mentioned. Many years later when I returned from my prodigal ways to try my hand at farming, I did make use of these trees but only as firewood to provide warmth for my family. Only now, in my "later" years am I beginning to appreciate the plants and trees indigenous to this area (Treaty 6 Territory) in a way that expands my gratitude for the bounty of the earth. This in turn encourages me to double down on the pursuit of Permaculture in the upcoming online Verge PDC course .
There seems to be an awakening of this nature in many folks these days. I am so glad you are finding value in often overlooked places! I am excited for your journey, Rod! It will be transformational I promise!
I've been a forester for the past 18 years. I've never heard it called a "trembling Aspen". I was taught "quaking Aspen", Which may or may not be traditionally correct according to the Latin name. Though for communication with the rest of the world.... Well you know. Also not meaning to come and dump on your video. I like your videos and I think you are very well educated and have taught me quite a few things. Thank you.
My dad was also a forester, and my grandma a botanist, and I was raised using both names for this tree (Populus tremuloides). Glad you are enjoying the videos!
Do the leaves also contain Salicin? I once heard a Russian elderly man say he would sometimes make tea from the leaves of young Aspen trees to treat a fever. I wonder if the leaves contain the same chemical compounds as the inner bark.
Cool and interesting!
I've used the powder as a mosquito repellent and it seems to work just fine.
Great info Kalista, I have not used Aspen much , but will after hearing all it's attributes.
Aspen almost sounds like Aspirin :)
This is such a good example of how so many (most) of us in this society have lost touch with our surroundings and the earth in which we live. I grew up on a prairie farm where the aspen (we called them poplar trees) were the most common tree. We didn't pay much attention to it and did not understand any of the medicinal values you have mentioned. Many years later when I returned from my prodigal ways to try my hand at farming, I did make use of these trees but only as firewood to provide warmth for my family. Only now, in my "later" years am I beginning to appreciate the plants and trees indigenous to this area (Treaty 6 Territory) in a way that expands my gratitude for the bounty of the earth. This in turn encourages me to double down on the pursuit of Permaculture in the upcoming online Verge PDC course .
There seems to be an awakening of this nature in many folks these days. I am so glad you are finding value in often overlooked places! I am excited for your journey, Rod! It will be transformational I promise!
I've been a forester for the past 18 years. I've never heard it called a "trembling Aspen". I was taught "quaking Aspen", Which may or may not be traditionally correct according to the Latin name. Though for communication with the rest of the world.... Well you know.
Also not meaning to come and dump on your video. I like your videos and I think you are very well educated and have taught me quite a few things. Thank you.
My dad was also a forester, and my grandma a botanist, and I was raised using both names for this tree (Populus tremuloides). Glad you are enjoying the videos!
Do the leaves also contain Salicin? I once heard a Russian elderly man say he would sometimes make tea from the leaves of young Aspen trees to treat a fever. I wonder if the leaves contain the same chemical compounds as the inner bark.
Yes! The leaves, buds and inner bark all contain salicin.
Is the parasitic compound the same as the quinine substitute I read about from inner bark? Do you have a tincture recipe?
Thanks Kalista! How does Black Poplar compare to Trembling Aspen? Are the medicinal qualities similar?
They are almost identical! Poplar buds are also excellent for making a pain relieving balm (known as Balm of Gilead).