ASPEN - COMMERCIAL WOOD The aspens, of which there two species—the common popple or quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), and the large-tooth aspen (Populus grandidentata)—are widely distributed throughout the United States, and belong to the family of true poplars, of which the cottonwoods are the largest representatives. The wood of the aspens is light in weight and color, soft, and not strong. In stiffness, however, it ranks with many heavier hardwoods.
Aspen is not separately tabulated in many state reports ; but probably its largest use is for the making of boxes and crates, to which purpose it is excellently suited. Some of the specific uses listed for aspen are as follows: Basket bottoms Handles (oyster knife) Basket hoops Jelly buckets Boxes Novelties Boxes (piano) Pails Boxes (shoe pegs) Shoe fillers Boxes (veneer) Shoe forms Brushes Shoe lasts Buckets Shoe trees Casing Spice kegs Ceiling Spool heads Crates Spools Dowels Sugar buckets Excelsior Toothpicks Fish kits Toys Frames (door) Toy wheelbarrows (bodies) Frames (window) Vehicle body parts Furniture (hidden work) Wood wool Handles (dipper)