ASPEN

29th November 2023

A craftier Tereus, cousin, hast thou met,

And he hath cut those pretty fingers off,

That could have sewed better than Philomel.

O, had the monster seen those lily hands

Tremble like aspen leaves upon a lute

And make the silken strings delight to kiss them,

He would not have touched them for his life.

MARCUS: Titus Andronicus, Act 2, Scene 4

ASPEN

Aspen appears twice in Shakespeare, in Henry IV Part 2 and in Titus Andronicus. Both times the trembling quality of Aspen leaves is mentioned. Aspen leaves are a sound and vison delight. The flattened leaf stalk allows them to flutter in the slightest breeze and to make their distinctive rustling, and in autumn they turn a vibrant yellow. Aspen has a rich folklore in many countries with both positive and negative associations. The trembling is associated with communing with the dead or alternatively as shame at its alleged role in the crucifixion of Christ.

Aspen (Populus tremula) occurs across the UK. It is a pioneer species, it can tolerate poor grounds and supports a range of other biodiversity. Aspen often reproduces vegetatively, by suckers, rather than by seed, which can leave it vulnerable to disease. Aspen is becoming more recognised as an important element of diverse ecosystems and Eadha Enterprises, Trees for Life, Naturescot and other organisations are working to promote and deliver Aspen conservation.

More Information

BSBI Plant Atlas 2020: Aspen

Eadha (Aspen) Enterprises: Visit Site

Trees for Life: Aspen Mythology & Folklore

Woodland Trust: Aspen