Swedish Columnar Aspen (Populus tremula 'Erecta')

Thirty years ago, new to the Northwest, I spent a weekend in the mountains of central Oregon and wondered why I was always hearing a stream trickle by when there was no water at all. It was the breeze in the leaves of Quaking Aspen when there was no wind to speak of. It was a distinctive and restful sound, and I decided I wanted to grow that tree in my nursery. I did for a while, but there was a big problem. In the fall, the deer (blasted young bucks) barked them all so I gave up. But a few years ago I saw the columnar form and was so taken with it, I decided to try again. Also to offer the tree in a small size. Totally hardy (zone 3) and stunning fall color. I’m excited. Photo thanks to the incomparable Jackie Becker.