Aspens High in the Sky
by Nava Thompson
Title
Aspens High in the Sky
Artist
Nava Thompson
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
This photo was taken in Colorado in September in RMNP. Aspens are all native to cold regions with cool summers, in the north of the Northern Hemisphere, extending south at high altitudes in the mountains. They are all medium-sized deciduous trees reaching 15�30 m (49�98 ft) tall.All of the aspens typically grow in large clonal colonies, derived from a single seedling, and spread by means of root suckers; new stems in the colony may appear at up to 30�40 m (98�130 ft) from the parent tree. Each individual tree can live for 40�150 years above ground, but the root system of the colony is long-lived. In some cases, this is for thousands of years, sending up new trunks as the older trunks die off above ground. For this reason, it is considered to be an indicator of ancient woodlands. One such colony in Utah, given the nickname of "Pando", is estimated to be thousands of years old,[2] making it possibly the oldest living colony of aspens. Some aspen colonies become very large with time, spreading about 1 m (3.3 ft) per year, eventually covering many hectares. They are able to survive forest fires, because the roots are below the heat of the fire, with new sprouts growing after the fire burns out,Aspens do not thrive in the shade, and it is difficult for seedlings to grow in an already mature aspen stand. Fire indirectly benefits aspen trees, since it allows the saplings to flourish in open sunlight in the burned landscape. Lately, aspens have an increased popularity in forestry, mostly because of their fast growth rate and ability to regenerate from sprouts, making the reforestation after harvesting much cheaper, since no planting or sowing is required.In contrast with many trees, aspen bark is base-rich,[clarification needed] meaning aspens are important hosts for bryophytes[3] and act as food plants for the larvae of butterfly (Lepidoptera) species�see List of Lepidoptera that feed on poplars.
Young aspen bark is an important seasonal forage for the European hare and other animals in early spring. Aspen is also a tree of choice of the European beaver.
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October 7th, 2012
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Comments (11)
Maria Hunt
I clicked on this to vote!! Opps... If you can't vote... just promote Beautiful contrasts, Nava... Beautiful colors... Makes me, sitting her in the desert, vicariously enjoy "Autumn" Thanks for this work! F/L
Doug Kreuger
Beautiful subject and framing—Love the golden aspen leaves! Excellent work Nava!! L&F
Nava Thompson replied:
Doug---thank you---Aspens are my favoroite tree--appreciate your visit and l/f!
Randy Rosenberger
Love the standing tall trio of aspens in this piece, and the surroundings of evergreens and yellow foliage really makes this trio stand out! With the sunlight coming through and the beautiful blue sky, it makes for an excellent composition, Nava Jo! fave and vote
Nava Thompson replied:
Randy--thank you so much--I love the Aspens and Pines. Appreciate your comments and fave and vote!
Annette Jimerson
I love this photo, it reminds me of the Mountians just behind us where I live V/F.
Nava Thompson replied:
Oh--thank you! I would love living among the Aspens--Aspens and Pines are my favorite. I am like a little kid running through them. Thank you for your comments and vote/fave!