Very rare in North Carolina, Bigtooth Aspen is found in only a few rocky ridges in the Mountains, such as here at Doughton Park.

Alleghany Co., NC 5/29/05.

The leaves have distinctive large teeth, as both the common and scientific names suggest.

Alleghany Co., NC 5/29/05.

Vigorous young shoots may have a quite different leaf form -- larger leaves with cordate bases and much finer serrations. Note that like the typical leaf form, the petioles are reddish and strongly flattened laterally and the leaves have prominent pale veins.

Alleghany Co., NC 9/3/06.

Bark detail.

Alleghany Co., NC 5/29/05.