rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryaspenTrembling-leaved tree
noun

aspen

AS-pun/ˈæspən/

A poplar tree whose leaves tremble in a light wind.

The aspen's rounded leaves tremble on slender stalks.

A recognizable aspen tree with pale, dark-scarred bark and rounded, finely toothed leaves; a foreground branch makes the long flattened leaf stalks and gently fluttering leaves clearly visible.
Etymology
aspOld Englishaspen tree, white poplar
+enEnglishof, made of

The tree name probably developed from descriptive phrases such as “aspen leaf,” meaning a leaf of the aspen. Its trembling leaves have long served as an image of quaking.

In context

Peter Collin20:44
that is the Quaking Aspen doing as its name implies the tiniest Breeze will set those leaves to Trembling
Tree Identification - Northeastern Hardwoods

More examples

  • Several aspens grew near the stream.
  • She touched the aspen's pale bark.
  • An aspen stood beside the path.

Forms

aspen · aspens

Similar words

poplar
The broader tree group.
birch
A different tree that may also have pale bark.