Oregon Field Guide

Steens Aspen

Clip: Season 26 Episode 2611 | 5m 32s  | Video has closed captioning.

Hardwoods are rare on Oregon's east side but that's not the only thing that makes aspen unusual. The trees sprout from rhizomes in large "clones" or shared root systems that can live up to 1000 years, though the trees themselves rarely live beyond a century. Aspen stands are eco-hotspots, creating their own food webs and providing habitat for everything from birds to bears.

Aired: 03/25/15

Rating: TV-G

Problems Playing Video? | Closed Captioning

Oregon Field Guide is a local public television program presented by OPB.