In autumn the vibrant red, gold, orange and yellow colors of aspen leaves provides a striking display in California's mountains. During the spring and summer the half- dollar sized leaves are light green on top and silvery underneath. Aspen is an important species for wildlife. Other human uses of aspen woodland include livestock grazing and recreation, both of which can have negative impacts on the trees. Overgrazing of young shoots can reduce the tree's ability to resprout.
Aspen communities are beneficial to wildlife and humans.
This is reflected in the general abundance of literature on stand management, and grazing and timber issues. However, there are not many publications devoted specifically to aspen found in California. Literature Cited Bakker, Elna. 1971. An Island Called California. University of California press.