In California, aspen trees are one of the few trees that turn a spectacular color in the fall. Their leaves change into a gold made even more brilliant by the autumn air, especially when seen against the bright Californian sky. For years they’ve challenged writers and poets to come up with the perfect metaphor for their leaves that seem to constantly shimmer in the light. But while others have been trying to capture the beauty of the aspen tree in words or images, the aspen trees themselves have become the bearers of an art and history unknown to most Californians.