Released May 04, 2007
LINCOLN, Nebr. -- Until the 1970s, elm trees were perhaps the most common trees planted in communities across Nebraska. American elm (Ulmus americana ) was especially popular as its tall, arching habit made it an ideal shade tree for planting along streets, in parks and in backyards. In many communities the American elm comprised more than half the total species planted in public spaces. Unfortunately, Dutch elm disease spread rapidly across the state in the 1960s and 70s killing most American elms along the way and laying bare (almost overnight) the leafy canopies that once graced so many of our streets.
As a result, elms fell out of favor and are rarely planted in communities today. Fortunately, new disease-resistant varieties have been developed that can tolerate the poor soils and extreme climate of the Great Plains.
Some of the most promising elms worth trying in Nebraska include:
'Valley Forge' American Elm (Ulmus americana 'Valley Forge'): One of the most disease-resistant elms, it also tolerates deicing salts, air pollution, drought, and a range of soil pH. Upright, arching habit making it an ideal street tree. 50-70 foot height and spread.
Japanese Elm (Ulmus davidiana var. japonica ): Glossy green leaves, relatively tight-branching and a rounded habit. 40-50 feet tall by 30-40 feet wide.
'Accolade' Elm (Ulmus japonica x U. wilsoniana ): One of the most promising and popular elm cultivars. 50-70 feet tall and 40-60 feet wide.
'Cathedral' Elm (Ulmus davidiana var. japonica x U. pumila ): A fast grower that is tolerant of clay soils, and has yellow to orange fall color. 40-50 feet tall by 40-50 feet wide.
Lacebark Elm (Ulmus parvifolia ): Attractive mottled, lacy bark develops on older stems. Leaves are smaller than most elms and deep green and very glossy. Flowering occurs in late summer with seed development in early fall. The yellowish seeds are quite attractive against the shiny green leaves. Many trees also develop a nice reddish fall color. Best adapted to the southern half of Nebraska. 'Emerald Prairie' is an exciting new cultivar developed in Kansas that may have better cold hardiness. 25-40 feet tall by 20-35 feet wide.
'Frontier' Elm (Ulmus parvifolia x U. carpinifolia ): Similar to lacebark elm, with small, glossy leaves that turn a dusty purple in the fall, and mottled bark on maturing trunks. Although some reports indicate winter dieback in the Great Plains, it has performed well in southeast Nebraska for several years. 30-40 feet tall by 25-30 feet wide.
'Pioneer' Elm (Ulmus glabra x U. carpinifolia ): Pioneer elm has been planted in several locations in Nebraska and has performed well in Creighton, Pierce, Waverly and Alliance, among other communities. A fast grower with dark green leaves and an upright, pyramidal habit when young. 40-50 feet tall by 40-50 feet wide.
'Triumph' Elm (Ulmus 'Morton Glossy'): Vigorous upright habit with strong branches bearing glossy, deep-green foliage. The tree appears to be very adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions. 50-60 feet tall by 30-40 feet wide.
'Vanguard' Elm (Ulmus davidiana var. japonica x U. pumila ): Siberian elm/Japanese elm hybrid developed at the Morton Arboretum. Very tolerant of high heat and drought, making it a promising selection for the western Great Plains. 40-50 feet tall by 40-50 feet wide.
Rock Elm (Ulmus thomasii ): Native to eastern Nebraska. Its relatively narrow and upright habit is reminiscent of pin oak. A distinctive feature of this tree is the corky ridges found on stems and young branches that eventually develop into a deeply fissured bark. 50-60 feet tall by 30-40 feet wide.
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http://ianrnews.unl.edu/static/0705040.shtml
Contacts: Justin Evertson, Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, (402) 472-5054
Karma Larsen, (402) 472-2971
Dan Moser, (402) 472-3007
