Show aspen leaf. Aspen ordinary. For coughs and colds

Trembling poplar (aspen) - (Populus tremula L.) is one of the most common types of poplars, belonging to the genus poplar (Populus) of the willow family (Salicaceae). Distribution area - the European part of Russia, the Caucasus, Western and Eastern Siberia, the Far East, Kazakhstan, Central Asia, Western Europe, East Asia. It is located on the territory of many nature reserves in the European part of Russia, the Caucasus, Siberia, the Far East, the Crimea, and the Baltic states. It grows in different types of forest as an admixture and a secondary species, and also occasionally forms pure aspen forests. In the mountains it can rise to a height of 2000 m. In many regions of the Far East, from Kamchatka to Primorye and the Kuril Islands, a species close to aspen grows - Populus davidiana Dode.
In the steppe zone, where together with the oak it reaches the southern border of the distribution of forest vegetation, it forms dense thickets along the forest edges, preventing representatives of steppe phytocenoses from penetrating under the forest canopy. This feature of the aspen is used to create shelterbelts in the steppe regions.

This is a large tree up to 35 m high and 1 m in diameter with a sparse crown and light greenish-gray bark. Old branches are strongly “broken”, with well-marked leaf scars. Young shoots are round, without ribs and stripes, often glabrous and as if varnished, but sometimes slightly pubescent, greenish or greenish-brown. Aspen prefers rich, well-drained soils. Light-requiring and very winter-hardy. Like all poplars, aspen is a dioecious plant, but not with a clear distinction between sexes. Many trees have flowers of both sexes, but one of them is sharply dominated (usually male). Some trees have flowers of only one sex.
Flower buds are thick, dark, greenish chestnut or reddish brown, not very sticky, at first pubescent, then glabrous. Aspen blooms in late April long before the leaves bloom. Male catkins with brown-brown scales, blooming, sharply lengthen (up to 10 cm), and their yellowish-green pollen is carried by the wind for many kilometers.

aspen seeds

Thanks to the hairs, the seeds are easily transported over considerable distances. Aspen bears fruit annually and abundantly, but its seedlings rarely appear, since very favorable conditions are necessary for this, and the germination of seeds falls extremely quickly.

aspen leaves

They sit on long petioles flattened laterally. This does not allow the petioles to bend, but makes the leaf blade oscillate and tremble even with slight air movement, for which the tree was so named.

Glands at the ends of the lower leaf teeth can secrete nectar when young.

aspen bark

Aspen root system

Aspen breeding

aspen forests

Aspens have many different life forms. So, for example, in aspen forests one can often find forms with green or gray bark. In the latter, the base of the trunks is usually much darker than in the greenskins. The difference in the color of the bark is especially noticeable in the spring, before flowering, at a time when intensive sap flow began. Individual aspen trees also differ in terms of leaf blooming, so in spring you can see "early" and "late" specimens in terms of the time of appearance of leaves. In addition, there are individuals that are characterized by vigorous growth and are considered "gigantic" and are therefore valuable in forestry. This form has a triploid set of chromosomes (Populus tremula gjgas), while individuals with a diploid set of chromosomes predominate in nature.

The use of aspen

The annual layers are hardly visible. The medullary rays are not visible.
Matches, ethyl alcohol are made from it, it is used in the hydrolysis industry, suitable for turning. Aspen wood is low in calories, but produces a long, low-smoking flame that is suitable for making pottery and bricks.
The so-called plowshare was made from aspen wood - special-shaped planks that were used in Russian wooden architecture to cover the domes of churches. The play of chiaroscuro on old shares gives the coatings created from them a silvery sheen.

Wood is used for buildings and a variety of crafts, for the production of cellulose, wood pulp and wood shavings.

Medicinal tincture of the kidneys is used for dysentery, gastritis, hemorrhoids and cystitis. Pounded in the form of an ointment, they are used for chronic ulcers, joint pain, and for wound healing.

A medicinal decoction of the tree bark helps to improve the functioning of the digestive tract, with diarrhea, gastritis.

Fresh aspen leaves are used to treat hemorrhoids. For rheumatism and gout, the leaves are used as a poultice. The juice of fresh leaves is used to treat lichen and remove warts. Harvesting of medicinal raw materials Harvest buds, leaves and aspen bark. The bark of the medicinal aspen tree is stored during sap flow, making ring cuts on the young branches of the tree, then connecting them with longitudinal cuts and removing them. Aspen bark is dried in the shade, spread out in one layer.

Common aspen buds are harvested at the beginning of swelling in early spring. Air dry in the shade or in ventilated areas.

Medicinal preparations from aspen

Brew 1 teaspoon of common aspen buds with a glass of boiling water, leave for about an hour, drain through gauze, squeeze the raw material. Use 5-6 times a day for 1-2 tbsp. spoons.

Decoction for diarrhea

Pour a glass of boiling water over 1 tbsp. a spoonful of aspen buds and boil over low heat for about 25 minutes, then leave for 45 minutes, drain through cheesecloth, squeeze out the raw material. Eat 1-2 tbsp before meals. spoons 3 times a day.

Decoction for nephritis

Pour a glass of boiling water over 1 tbsp. a spoonful of young bark, leaves, aspen twigs, boil for 10 minutes over low heat, then cool, peel, drain through cheesecloth. Drink 1/2 cup 3 times a day.

Tincture

Fill with vodka aspen buds in a ratio of 10:1. Then insist for 72 - 96 hours, filter. Use 3 times a day for 10 - 20 drops.

Ointment for joint pain

Mix the crushed aspen buds in equal amounts with vegetable oil.

With hemorrhoids

Apply tree leaves to hemorrhoidal bumps for 2 hours, then wash the sore spot with boiled cool water. Carry out the procedure 3 times a week.

Aspen - contraindications

Aspen branch with leaves

Sometimes someone gets confused, coniferous aspen or deciduous. We answer: this is a fast-growing deciduous tree up to 35 m tall from the Willow family of the Poplar genus. The Latin name is Pópulus trémula. The diameter of an adult tree is 1 m. How many years does an aspen live? Botanical encyclopedias answer this way: her average life expectancy is 80 years, although there are specimens that have “celebrated” the 150th anniversary. Usually, in old age, this representative of the Poplar genus is prone to woody diseases.

Around the common aspen, you can see numerous root shoots. The roots go deep into the ground, but there are many of their processes.

adult aspen

In the photo below, pay attention to the smooth greenish bark of a young aspen. Inside the wood is a pleasant white-green hue. The leaves resemble a rhombus up to 7 cm in size, the top of the leaf can be either sharp or blunt, but the base is always rounded. Interestingly, the leaves of the shoots are always larger and look like a heart.

Young aspen bark

Aspen is dioecious, both sexes have hanging catkins. In the male aspen they are red, and in the female they are greenish. Flowering occurs in early spring before the leaves open.

Where does aspen grow: areas of growth

This tree is quite common in Russia: aspen can be found in the central strip of the country, the Arkhangelsk, Vologda regions, in Transbaikalia, the middle Volga region. The favorite place of growth is the forest and forest-steppe zone, the banks of the reservoir, swamps, ravines.

The tree is not very picky about the choice of soil. Once in any soil, the aspen will eventually spread in different directions, where a young aspen forest is formed. What trees grow in aspen? It can be pine, spruce or birch. One or more aspens can be found among the birch grove, in the alder forest and next to the oaks.

The aspen forest is heard from afar by the noise of its trembling leaves.

It is more difficult to grow in the steppe, and the aspen sends out root shoots up to 40 m in different directions from the mother tree. After a few years of such a seizure, an aspen forest is formed in the steppe, which will occupy many hectares in a few decades.

After a fire, aspen forests recover very quickly due to their deep root system.

This interesting representative of the willow family is distributed not only in Russia, it also captured the forests of Europe, the Mongolian and Kazakh steppes, and the peninsula of Korea.

Why is the aspen trembling

Anyone who has seen an aspen immediately notices the trembling of its leaves. This is a completely normal process for such moving foliage. It's all about the petiole of the leaf: it is thin and long, flattened from the sides, so it bends easily. The leaf easily fluctuates from the slightest breeze on such a thin petiole. Another name for aspen is trembling poplar.

The main properties of aspen

Aspen has been loved since ancient times for its beneficial properties. Valuable is not only wood for the manufacture of furniture and baths, but also the bark. In times of famine, aspen bast was ground into flour and baked bread. Branches of the lower tier are used in our time to prevent spoilage of sauerkraut during harvesting. Such cabbage is stored without problems until late spring. Crushed bark is added by foresters and hunters to food to relieve fatigue.

medicinal properties

To understand why aspen is considered healing, consider its chemical composition. The bark of the tree contains glucose, sucrose, and fructose. In addition, it contains a lot of aromatic acids, tannins, higher fatty acids, as well as salicin and populin.

Aspen bark is used for medicinal purposes

The kidneys are rich in raffinose, fructose, the same aromatic acids, tannins, triglycerides of phenolcarboxylic acids.

The leaves are also a storehouse of organic acids, carbohydrates, vitamin C, carotene, anthocyanins, flavonoids and some other substances.

On the basis of such a rich composition, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, choleretic and anthelmintic properties of aspen parts were revealed. Apply infusions of buds, leaves and bark, water extracts of tree bark.

wood properties

The wood is homogeneous, so it does not bring problems either when cutting or when processing. Abrasion resistance noted. Aspen wood is dense (490 kg/m³) and moderately hard (1.86 Brinell).

The wood structure is straight-layered, light. Summer hats are made from thin aspen shavings by weaving. The use of shavings is not limited to hats. It is dyed with aniline dyes to make flowers. It is known to use pressed chips for packaging.

When working with aspen wood, it is noticeable that it splits easily and cracks quite a bit.

Aspen carving

The use of aspen is wide: they make dishes, the aspen plowshare was used for roofing domes, making matches, wood carvers also like to work with this tree.

What does aspen look like - photo gallery

Aspen undergrowth is attractive for walking. To get to know this tree closer, we picked up a number of photographs. Now you can be sure that you will not confuse this tree with any other.

Aspen tree photo

aspen leaf photo

What does aspen look like in winter

Winter aspen forest Lonely aspen in winter dress In the photo, the aspen tree looks fabulous in winter

The benefits of planting aspen in a summer cottage

In the villages, aspen outside the yard is a frequent visitor. She is not much bothered by the shade, she also grows well in the sun. The beliefs of the people speak of the ability of this tree next to the house to protect residents from evil spirits and negative energy. This belief is based on lesions of the tree trunk by diseases. Since the tree is sick, it means that it attracts everything bad to itself - such conclusions were made in the villages.

Aspen forest on the canvas of I.I. Levitan

Today, this value of aspen goes down in history, and this tree is planted in the country for beauty and improving soil fertility.

soil improvement

All the leaves that this tree drops in the fall decompose very quickly, increasing the friability of the soil and turning into humus. Experienced gardeners know that aspen should be planted on clayey infertile soils, because with its strong deep roots, the tree helps other plants and trees to subsequently develop such soil.

Possibilities for landscape design

Aspen trees are actively planted within the city as landscaping. These trees hold back gusts of wind well, strengthen the banks near the reservoirs. Even representatives of the fauna of the steppe zone are not particularly willing to penetrate the forest if aspen grows on its border. If aspen is used as a material for landscape design of a holiday village, then this is done not only because of the decorative qualities of the tree, but also because a number of aspens are a fire-fighting plantation: the tree does not burn well.

Decorative features come down to the tree's quick foliage after pruning and beautiful fall foliage. Breeders have bred several hybrids that have a pyramidal shape or weeping tiers.

Autumn alley of aspens

The use of aspen in construction

The tree, even after a long stay in a humid environment, does not crack or warp. Aspen wood retains heat well.

The use of aspen today:

• lining;
• board for baths and saunas;
• shingle;
• ploughshare for wooden churches;
• matches;
• carved decorative items.

Bath sheathed with aspen clapboard

The use of aspen in the manufacture of furniture

We found out the qualities of aspen wood above, based on them, the use of aspen in the manufacture of furniture is clear: it is recommended for high humidity in the room. In combination with the fact that there will be no burn from touching hot wood, aspen furniture fits well into the decor of a bath or sauna.

The price of aspen furniture is low, but it gives off a pleasant smell of calmness. In addition, such an interior item is difficult to stain. However, some people think furniture made from this type of wood is unpresentable. If a diseased tree was used, then there is the possibility of furniture rotting from the inside. Aspen furniture is recommended to those who have chosen country style for their home.

We hope that information about the aspen tree, its application and properties was useful.

Aspen is a healing tree that can help in the non-traditional treatment of diseases associated with inflammatory processes and diabetes. This is an affordable plant material that each person, if desired, can collect on their own and make a medicine from it. Its main advantages are naturalness, mild action and efficiency proven by practice.

What does aspen look like and where does it grow?

Aspen (the second name is trembling poplar) is a wild tree of medium height, which can reach 35 m. The trunk diameter in rare cases reaches 1 m, although this figure is usually much less. Aspen has many varieties, but in folk medicine traditionally use Ordinary, which can be found everywhere in the middle latitudes.

The edges of the leaves, which have a rounded shape, are cut with large teeth. Their petioles are long, but flattened in the middle, so with every breath of wind the foliage begins to tremble, which is a characteristic feature of the tree. Trembling poplar is a dioecious plant. In males, the earrings are pink or reddish, while in females they are green.

Aspen grows pretty fast: after 50 years, its trunk rises 20 meters above the ground. But its age is short: the life of a tree usually ends after 90 years. It is very rare to find specimens whose age is 130 years.

This tree is found in latitudes with a temperate and cold climate throughout the entire European and Asian continent. Aspen often forms entire species arrays, or preferring the edges or sunny glades of dense forests.

The composition and medicinal properties of aspen

The properties of common aspen are explained by its chemical composition, which contains a number of useful substances. The most valuable of them is salicyl, which is a natural analogue of aspirin. Once in the human body, this organic compound relieves inflammation and lowers the elevated body temperature caused by it. The highest concentration of salicyl is in the bark of the tree, so it is widely used in alternative medicine.

Aspen also contains:

• vitamins;
• bitterness;
• tannins;
• a number of glycosides;
• fatty complex and other acids;
• micro and macro elements.
• carbohydrates;
• ethers, etc.

What does aspen look like (video)

Therefore, remedies prepared from the leaves and especially the bark of the tree help in the treatment of diseases. They provide:

• antipyretic effect;
• anti-inflammatory;
• thinning blood;
• stabilizing the work of the endocrine system;

Also taking aspen increases sweating.

Therefore, the tree is used in the treatment of a number of diseases, primarily associated with inflammatory processes. Also, aspen bark is an ingredient for a folk remedy for the treatment of diabetes.

Photo gallery

Preparation of medicinal raw materials

Crushed aspen bark, already ready for the manufacture of preparations, is sold in pharmacies and herbal shops. But, having gone to the forest, you can independently collect and produce plant materials: special skills and knowledge are not required for this.

The leaves of the tree are harvested in May or June. After that, they must be dried in a special dryer at a temperature of about 55 ° C or spread on paper in a dry, warm and well-ventilated area. You can also use the heat of a stove oven preheated to 60 °. In a similar way, the buds of poplar trembling in early spring are harvested.

A little more difficult to collect aspen bark. You will need a sharp knife to make the job easier. You need to go to the forest from about April 20 to June 1, because during this period there is an active movement of juice. You need to choose young trees, the trunk diameter of which is not more than 8 cm. With a knife, make two rounded cuts around the tree at a distance of 30 cm from each other. Then the bark is cut vertically between them and carefully removed. You need to make sure that there are no pieces of wood left on it. The same manipulations can be repeated with branches.

Arriving home, you should wash the bark and dry it in the oven, cutting it into small pieces of 3-4 cm each. The temperature should not exceed 60 ° C. Drying can also be done in a dry, ventilated room, but in this case, the process will take up to a week.

It is forbidden to dry the leaves and bark in direct sunlight. So most of the useful things will evaporate from the healing raw materials. Harvested aspen can be stored for up to 3 years, although it is considered the most useful in the first year after harvest.

The healing properties of aspen (video)

The use of aspen in traditional medicine

Basically, in folk medicine, aspen bark is used, which is most valuable due to its composition. Means are made from it in a variety of forms: decoctions, infusions, alcohol tinctures and even ointments.

Decoctions and infusions from aspen

There are 3 main ways to make a decoction and infusion of aspen bark:

1. Finely chopped bark is poured with clean water in a ratio of 1: 4. The container is put on a slow fire, they wait for it to boil and leave for another 30 minutes. After this time, the broth must insist for at least another 6 hours, tightly closed with a lid. Such a "greenhouse effect" will help useful substances stand out in the water. If the bark was purchased at a pharmacy, then the boiling time is reduced to 5 minutes, since the raw materials have already undergone heat treatment. This remedy is taken in half a glass three times a day 30 minutes before meals. The decoction is especially useful for diabetes mellitus.
2. Infusion of aspen bark is very useful for pulmonary tuberculosis and inflammatory diseases.. To prepare it, 1 tbsp. a spoonful of raw materials is poured into 0.5 liters of hot water and insisted for 12 hours. Drink a glass in the morning and evening.
3. Otherwise, prepare an infusion for the treatment of diabetes: bark and boiling water are combined in a ratio of 1: 3 and left for 10-12 hours. It is preferable to take the drug in the morning on an empty stomach. Between courses of treatment, each of which lasts 3 weeks, there should be a 10-day break.

The most useful decoctions and infusions immediately after preparation. Over time, useful substances from them disappear. Although the liquid may have an unpleasant aftertaste, it is not recommended to sweeten it even with sugar substitutes.

Aspen ointment

The ointment will help with foci of inflammation on the skin, burns and dermatitis. The bark should be burned, and the resulting ash (10 g) mixed with vaseline (20 g). Such a tool can be stored in the refrigerator and used if necessary until recovery. Very soon, the unpleasant symptoms will disappear.

Aspen tincture on vodka

Universal tincture of aspen on vodka suppresses inflammatory processes in the body, enhances the functioning of the immune system and improves health thanks to vitamins and minerals. To prepare it, you need to mix the bark and vodka: 200 ml will be required per 100 g of raw materials.

The bottle is placed in a dark place for 2 weeks. After that, you need to strain the liquid, and use it 15-20 drops before meals. To make it easier to drink the tincture, it is diluted in a third of a glass of non-carbonated mineral water.

How to brew aspen bark

Tea made from aspen bark is recommended for diabetics, people in the recovery period after infectious diseases, as well as for prevention with a tendency to increase blood sugar levels. It is enough to pour the bark (2 tablespoons) with a couple of glasses of boiling water and leave it in a teapot or thermos for 30-60 minutes. Drink immediately after preparation.

Kvass from aspen for the treatment of diabetes

Aspen kvass is not only good for health and lowering sugar, but also pleasant on hot days, because it refreshes well. To prepare it, you need a jar of 3 liters. It is filled either with dry bark (one-third of the capacity), or fresh (half a can). Also, 2/3 cup of granulated sugar, water and 1 teaspoon of fat sour cream are added there. In a couple of weeks, an unusual and healing drink will be ready.

There was a twofold relationship.

On the one hand, the tree was considered cursed. The ancient Slavs believed that goblin, devils and other evil spirits were found in aspen groves. In the myths of ancient Greece, Aspen grew in the afterlife.

The tree was a symbol of fear and indecision, so the leaves were constantly trembling in the wind.

At the same time, Aspen served partly for good. For example, a bed, as well as bath brooms made from Aspen, helped to cope with various ailments.

Aspen branches stuck in the fence did not let evil spirits into the garden. Aspen stakes were used to fight against unclean forces.

aspen names

According to one version, the word "aspen" comes from the word "blue".

The fact is that after Aspen has been cut down or cut down, blue is formed at the place of saw cut. This is due to the tannins that react with the metal particles. This property is used by many carpenters and cabinetmakers when working with various breeds.

Since the wood has a white tint, the blue is especially noticeable.

The Latin name for common aspen is populous tremula, which literally means “trembling man” in Latin.

WHAT ASPEN LOOKS LIKE

In autumn, after leaf fall, Aspens stand out among the Russian black forest with green trunks.

In glades and forest edges, the tree often grows with sprawling knotty branches and a lush crown, while in forest groves it stretches upwards.

Aspen leaves are like coins with notches and long petioles.

The tree grows very quickly and reaches a height of up to 35 meters. The life span is on average 100 years.

Aspen roots are very powerful and go deep into the soil. Thanks to this property, Aspen can easily survive forest fires. Even if the tree trunk burns and dies, thanks to the surviving root system, new shoots will not be long in coming.

Where does Aspen grow?

In nature, Aspen is found in Korea, China, as well as in Europe, Kazakhstan and almost all regions of Russia.

Despite the fact that people are used to meeting Aspen in mixed forests, the tree quite often forms pure aspen forests. These groves are favorite places for mushroom pickers.

Aspens can grow on clearing sites, after fires and in ravines. Often used to strengthen slopes and landscaping parks and gardens.

The tree does not like swampy and highly moistened soil. Under such conditions, the tree quickly rots in the middle and dies.

When Aspen Blooms

In mid-April, Aspen blooms. Reddish men's earrings look much more interesting than thin and green women's earrings.

Aspen blooms before the leaves bloom.

Medicinal properties of Aspen

Aspen bark contains a huge amount of useful substances: antibiotics, tannins, glycerin, esters and others. That is why ointments, medicines, decoctions and even kvass are made from the bark.

Aspen is a source of such elements as copper, iron, zinc, nickel. These substances are necessary for a person to strengthen immunity.

A decoction of Aspen bark has an analgesic effect and helps with burns, eczema and other skin lesions.

The decoction also has an astringent effect on the body and helps with gastritis and diarrhea by killing harmful bacteria and microorganisms.

With increased anxiety, a decoction of aspen bark is also used to restore the nervous system.

Tincture from the bark of the tree treats diseases of the joints and prostatitis.

Application of Aspen

Aspen is a fast-growing tree, therefore it is used for landscaping areas.

The wood of the tree is a valuable material for carpenters. It has a soft structure and does not splinter, it can easily be compared with wood lindens, while it grows much faster and is much more common.

In the old days, a decoction of Aspen was used to get rid of scale in samovars.

The best-known use of wood is matches. Every day, several tons of material are used to make matches.

Aspen is used in the manufacture of packaging and decorative chips, which can be painted in any color.

Contraindications

Aspen has no special contraindications, however, bark decoctions are not recommended for people who have problems with the digestive system.

Cases of individual intolerance are also possible.

When using traditional medicine methods, consult a specialist.

Aspen bark is a favorite delicacy of hares and moose, so in the forest you can often find littered barked tree trunks.

In the old days, when pickling cabbage, aspen twigs or logs were added to the knapsack to kill harmful microbes.

The wood of the tree is well preserved in water, so earlier wells and baths were built from Aspen.

Artificial vanillin is made from rotten Aspen wood.

The first aspirin was obtained from the bark of this tree.

Photo credits: djangalina , Tatiana , igor.zadvornyak and others.

Common aspen is a deciduous plant belonging to the genus Poplars of the Willow family, widely distributed in the temperate and cold climate zones of the Eurasian continent. This is a large, tall tree, the height of which can reach 35 m with a trunk diameter of 1 meter. It grows quite quickly and lives long enough: up to 80-90 years. At the same time, aspen is susceptible to the development of various diseases, which is why high-quality specimens of large sizes and solid age are extremely rare.

According to the structure of its woody part, aspen belongs to non-core rocks of the scattered vascular type. The wood of this tree has a whitish color with a slightly greenish tinge. At the same time, the texture of aspen does not differ in particular expressiveness and showiness.

Annual rings and heart-shaped rays are practically invisible on it. Compared to other representatives of deciduous trees used on an industrial scale, it can be called rustic, therefore, it is practically not used to create decorative products.

At the same time, this material has good resistance to abrasion, lends itself well to turning and cutting. It is quite homogeneous, and due to this, in the manufacture of blanks, it can be cut in any direction, without the occurrence of dents and chips.

In the photo-picture - an aspen tree and some of its features

Where does aspen grow and its differences from poplar

Common aspen is one of the important forest-forming species of Russia and is found almost throughout the country, including the European part, as well as the regions of the Far East and Siberia. In addition, this tree can be found in Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Korea, China and many European countries.

It feels great on soils of any type in forest-steppe and forest zones, mainly along the banks of rivers and ravines, as well as on edges and areas with elevated relief.

As a rule, this tree grows in a group, forming aspen forests, or is part of mixed forests, combined with alder, larch, pine and birch. Due to the deep location of the roots, aspen is not very sensitive to small forest fires.

Otherwise, this plant is usually called a trembling poplar, but there are a number of certain differences between these trees.

So, what is the difference between aspen and poplar:

• Budding of poplar in spring occurs much faster, with the release of a characteristic odor and the appearance of stickiness. Aspen buds "come to life" more slowly.
• Aspen blooms in early spring, before the leaves fully open. Poplar blossoms in summer, spreading fluff around it, while aspen inflorescences are long brunchi earrings.
• The leaves of these trees vary in shape.
• Aspen branches are more fragile than poplar.

On the left are aspen leaves, and on the right are poplars.

Density, strength and moisture

One of the important indicators that have a direct impact on the quality and final form of processed wood raw materials is the density of wood. This term refers to the ratio of the mass of wood of a certain moisture content to its volume.

At the same time, the more moist the woody part of the tree is, the greater the density it has. In addition, when evaluating wood, an indicator of the conditional density of wood is also used, which is the ratio of the mass of the test sample in a completely dried state to its volume at the limit of hygroscopicity.

The indicators of density and conditional density of aspen are as follows:

Density coefficient at different humidity levels:

Thus, it can be seen that aspen wood has an average density of 490 kg/m3. The natural moisture content of this material when freshly cut is on average 82% with a maximum moisture content of 185% water absorption.

The determination of the compressive strength of wood is determined using prototypes of a prismatic shape, subjected to gradual loads until complete destruction.

For common aspen, these indicators will look like this (according to the research of S.I. Vanin):

• The compressive strength in the direction along the fibers (at a moisture content of 15%) is 374 kg/cm2.
• When stretched in the direction along the fibers - 1450 kg/cm2.
• When chipping in the radial plane - 44 kg / cm2.
• During the operation of static bending (at a humidity of 15%) - 673 kg / cm2.
• When performing impact bending in the tangential direction - 0.37 kgm/cm3.

According to the "Handbook of mechanical properties of wood", the average strength of wood will be as follows:

• The strength limit for static bending is 76.5 MPa.
• Tension along the fibers - 121 MPa.
• Compression along the fibers - 43.1 MPa.
• Splitting along the radial plane - 6.15 MPa.
• On the tangential plane - 8.42 MPa.
• Impact strength - 84.6 kJ / m2.
• The modulus of elasticity of aspen wood in static bending is 11.2 GPa.

Aspen wood has good pliability to various types of processing, including cutting, bending, painting and polishing. In addition, she peels well.

Specific and volumetric weight of wood

Among the important indicators on the basis of which the quality of the used wood is assessed are its specific and volumetric weight. To calculate the specific or relative weight of wood material, its weight is divided by the same amount of water.

In aspen wood, it is, at a moisture content of 12%, 510 kg / m3. At the same time, in contrast to , the values ​​of this indicator in aspen are not constant, but can vary quite widely.

This is due to the structure of the fibers of the material, which are characterized by high porosity. In other words, aspen business wood always contains a certain amount of moisture, which it easily gives off when dried and gains it with the same ease when placed in a more humid environment.

In addition to specific gravity, it is also customary to distinguish between the volumetric weight of wood or the weight per unit volume, the measurement of which occurs at a moisture content of the raw material of 15%.

Data on the volumetric weight of aspen with a change in its moisture content are given in the following table:

Chemical composition, hardness and strength properties

The bulk of aspen wood consists of various organic substances, including four main elements: oxygen, hydrogen, carbohydrate and nitrogen. In addition, it contains a certain amount of mineral substances, which form an ash residue during their combustion.

In the course of research, 17 chemical elements were found in the composition of the woody part of this plant, such as aluminum, silicon, magnesium, calcium, chromium, titanium, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, molybdenum, zirconium, zinc, strontium, manganese, lead and barium.

At the same time, it was noted that the chemical composition of aspen wood changed depending on its age: in older aspens, the content of titanium increased and the amount of copper, aluminum, silicon, iron, nickel, strontium and zirconium decreased. The quantitative ratio of other elements remained unchanged.

Of the organic compounds in the composition of aspen wood are: ash - 0.26%; pentosans - 27.47%; lignin - 21.81%; cellulose - 41.77%. The impact hardness index of aspen wood is 640 gmm/mm2. That is, it can be attributed to the number of soft rocks.

Aspen combustion temperature, thermal conductivity

Like a number of other coniferous and deciduous tree species, as a raw material for isothermal processes accompanied by heat release. In this regard, such an indicator as the calorific value of this tree is of particular importance.

In accordance with this criterion, which is defined as the amount of heat released by one weight unit of wood material during combustion, aspen can be classified as a low-heat species. That is, the amount of heat generated by it will be very small.

The burning temperature of aspen is 612 degrees. The combustion of firewood from this tree occurs quite quickly, without the formation of coal residue. Because of this, they are not very well suited for heating purposes, since it is impossible to maintain a constant operating temperature in the firebox with their use.

However, such firewood is well suited for burning soot and cleaning the chimney after using softwood raw materials that emit a large amount of soot and pollution.

The characteristics of aspen wood as a source of thermal energy are given in the following table:

It is also worth noting that, compared with trees of other species, aspen has a high ability to absorb moisture. Its limit of hygroscopicity is 21.8 - 22.9%.

Despite its obvious shortcomings, aspen wood also has a number of positive qualities that deserve a five-point rating on a five-point rating scale. Namely:

• Decorative. Due to its pleasant silvery hue, it has been used by craftsmen to cover the roofs of temples since ancient times.
• Ease of use. Soft and pliable aspen is used to make many products, including dishes.
• The absence of resin. Because of this, it is often used to make baths.
• Environmental friendliness and safety for humans.

Norms according to GOST

Since aspen wood is a building material with various uses, it is subject to a number of requirements and standards that it must comply with.

Standards for the quality and appearance of semi-finished products, profile parts and other elements for construction are contained in GOST 8242-88. When using wood raw materials from aspen for the purpose of pyrolysis and charcoalization, GOST 24260-80 is applied.

At the end of the article, you can watch a video about the collection and non-standard use of aspen bark: