Aspen Trees in Jasper © Lucy Izon

Jasper National Park, Alberta – As you travel through Jasper National Park watch for the ‘Trembling Aspen’ tree, so named because of the way its small leaves shimmer and shake in the wind. It is its white trunk and branches that are really curious. Rub them and you’ll find a powdery film, which used on your skin provides a natural sunblock from UV rays. And, if you dig in the inner bark a source of  acetylsalicylic acid (in other words – fever-reducing Asprin!)

It is the most widely distributed tree in North America. According to University of Alberta Plantwatch “The Cree made a tea from the inner bark that was helpful in treating rheumatism, diarrhea, liver and kidney problems, and coughs” and the leaves “relieved the itch of insect stings”.

At 10,878 sq km (4,200 sq mi ) Jasper is Canada’s largest Mountain National Park.