Quaking Aspen Named Tree of the Year - Lifesaver in the Forest - Quaking Aspen Crowned Tree of the Year 2026 for Resilience and Ecological Value
The quaking aspen has been crowned Tree of the Year 2026. This medium-sized deciduous tree, known for its trembling leaves and golden autumn hues, has a rich history and ecological significance.
The quaking aspen's light, soft wood has long been utilised in paper, plywood, and matchstick production. Historically, its bark was valued for medicinal and nutritional purposes. As a pioneer species, it's often the first to regrow after disturbances like storms or fires, thanks to its extensive root system that enables vegetative reproduction.
Over 60 butterfly species and numerous bird species benefit from the quaking aspen's abundance of insects. Its role in forest regeneration and adaptation to climate change is invaluable. Levke Riedel, this year's Tree Queen, will promote the protection of native tree species like the quaking aspen nationwide.
The quaking aspen, Tree of the Year 2026, is celebrated for its practical uses, ecological importance, and resilience. With Levke Riedel as Tree Queen, efforts to protect and preserve native tree species are set to gain momentum.
