Plant Library

Other Names:  Pikes Bay, Pike's Bay, Trembling Aspen

Description:

A beautiful upright, fast growing variety with smooth white bark and dark green, rounded leaves that tremble in the slightest breeze; excellent yellow fall color; disease resistant

Ornamental Features

Pike Bay Quaking Aspen has dark green deciduous foliage on a tree with an oval habit of growth. The round leaves turn an outstanding yellow in the fall. However, the fruit can be messy in the landscape and may require occasional clean-up. The smooth white bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Pike Bay Quaking Aspen is a deciduous tree with a shapely oval form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a high maintenance tree that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Suckering
• Insects
• Disease

Pike Bay Quaking Aspen is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Shade
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Pike Bay Quaking Aspen will grow to be about 50 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 5 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is an amazingly adaptable plant, tolerating both dry conditions and even some standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided. This is a selection of a native North American species.