ALLÉE® ELM

Ulmus parviflora ‘Emer II’ PP7552

 Here is a tree that can bring back the cathedral-like feel that we lost when Dutch elm disease wiped-out our beautiful native U. Americana that once lined so many of our streets.  The original tree has attained 75’ in height with a vase-shaped spread of over 50’.  Besides this classic elm growth habit, Allée® also boasts a trunk that provides year-round beauty and interest:  First, the bark exfoliates in jigsaw puzzle patterns in shades of green, gray, brown and orange, and secondly, as it grows, it also displays a gorgeous fluted pattern that gives the whole tree the look of a finely sculpted piece of art.  The foliage is a rich, dark green during the entire summer and looks just as good at the end of the season as at the beginning.  Fall color varies from yellow to yellow/red.  Besides disease resistance, Allée® is not troubled by Japanese or elm leaf beetles.  This dramatic addition to our urban landscapes is adapted from USDA zones 5/6 to 9.

HOKKAIDO SUPERDWARF LACEBARK ELM

Ulmus parvifolia ‘Hokkaido’

Attention bonsai enthusiasts: here is one of the more sought-after cultivars of lacebark elm.  This cute little miniature tree will make for an easily grown specimen.  Because of its diminutive dimensions, you’ll seldom find it in the landscape, so exact hardiness is not known, but if you’re growing it in a Bonsai container, you’ll certainly want to protect it from freezing in zones lower than USDA 8.  Leaves to ½” long with a possible height and spread of  2-3’, but much less in Bonsai culture.

FRONTIER ELM

Ulmus hybrid ‘Frontier’

 Frontier is one of several hybrid elms developed by the United States National Arboretum.  It is a novel hybrid of the spring-flowering species U. carpinifolia and the fall-flowering U.parvifolia.  This innovative combination  brings resistance to Dutch Elm Disease together with a desirable upright-pyramidal habit and a strong central leader, but with smaller stature than other elms.  The leaves of this variety are also smaller than average for an elm and turn an unusual and attractive bright reddish-purple in the fall.  Topping out at around 30’ in height with a 15 to 20’ wide crown, this small tree might be the best choice among the various elm varieties for smaller urban landscapes.  Frontier elm is adapted to USDA zones 5 to 8.

TRIUMPH™ ELM

Ulmus hybrid ‘Morton Glossy’

Triumph™ Elm has demonstrated excellent resistance to such diseases as Dutch Elm Disease and phloem necrosis.  As the cultivar name so aptly implies, the foliage is a notably dark and glossy green.  The growth habit is strong and symmetrical.  These traits, coupled with its adaptability make Triumph™ a great choice as a street tree.  Being a complex hybrid of three Asian species, this elm is able to grow over a wide range of climates: USDA zones 4 to 9.