aspen

Also known as quaking aspen, this is the most commonly and widely distributed tree native to North America. In New Mexico it can be found in the higher mountains of the western two-thirds of the state. Aspens are small or medium-sized trees that often thrive in burned parts of forests and grow as nursing crops to evergreen conifers, which eventually take over and replace them. Aspen have a relatively slender, bright white trunk and broad, round leaves that tremble even in the slightest breeze (hence the name quaking aspen). The leaves are bright green in spring and summer, but turn yellow and orange in the fall.