Main Difference
The main difference between Aspen and Birch is that the Aspen is a common name for certain tree species and Birch is a genus of plants.
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Aspen
Aspen is a common name for certain tree species; some, but not all, are classified by botanists in the section Populus, of the Populus genus.
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Birch
A birch is a thin-leaved deciduous hardwood tree of the genus Betula (), in the family Betulaceae, which also includes alders, hazels, and hornbeams. It is closely related to the beech-oak family Fagaceae. The genus Betula contains 30 to 60 known taxa of which 11 are on the IUCN 2011 Green List of Threatened Species. They are a typically rather short-lived pioneer species widespread in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in northern areas of temperate climates and in boreal climates.
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Aspen (adjective)
Pertaining to the asp or aspen tree.
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Aspen (adjective)
Tremulous, trembling.
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Aspen (adjective)
Of a woman’s tongue: wagging, gossiping.
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Aspen (noun)
The asp tree; a kind of poplar tree (genus noshow=1). A medium-size tree with thin, straight trunks of a greenish-white color.
“Above a certain elevation, the aspens gave way to scrubby, gnarled pines.”
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Aspen (noun)
The wood of such a tree; usually pale, lightweight and soft.
“She claimed that aspen was the only “proper” material from which make a wicker basket.”
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Birch (noun)
Any of various trees of the genus Betula, native to countries in the Northern Hemisphere.
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Birch (noun)
A hard wood taken from the birch tree, typically used to make furniture.
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Birch (noun)
A stick, rod or bundle of twigs made from birch wood, used for punishment.
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Birch (noun)
A birch-bark canoe.
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Birch (verb)
to punish with a stick, bundle of twigs, or rod made of birch wood.
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Birch (verb)
to punish as though one were using a stick, bundle of twigs, or rod made of birch wood.