Aspen

Populus tremula

Maximum height 65ft (20m).

Constantly throwing up suckers to form new trees, the aspen pioneers the colonisation of new ground particuarly in the Scottish Highlands.

Its quivering foliage, which turns amber - yellow in autumn makes it an instantly recognisable tree and often planted garden tree - although its suckering habit can cause it to spread.

It was believed that the constant trembling of the leaves indicated the trees guilt at having provided the wood used for the cross on which Christ was crucified.