A tree native to eastern North America, its Latin name Populus grandidentata comes from poplar (populus) and coarse teeth (of the leaves) (grandidentata). The tree begins to deteriorate after about 60 to 70 years. Bigtooth aspen are pioneer species that grow quickly on disturbed sites. The wood is primarily used for pulp to make paper, but it is also used to make particle boards, structural boxes, match splints, chopsticks, and ladders.