Aspen Grove in Fall Colors, Upper Laramie River Basin, Colorado
This photo of Quaking Aspen in full autumn color was taken in the upper Laramie River basin in northern Colorado. The leaves of the dwarf huckleberry plants that make up most of the ground cover have turned yellow as well, almost mirroring the aspen canopy overhead.
Aspen trees grow in clones, and need lots of sunlight to survive. They are adapted to establish themselves quickly after a fire or other major disturbance. They grow fast and straight, with smooth olive to whitish bark.
Photo location: Upper Laramie River watershed, Roosevelt National Forest, Larimer County, Colorado.
