Ulmus parvifolia 'Emer I' = Athena

From Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core
Jump to: navigation, search
Ulmus parvifolia
Cultivar 'Emer I' or 'Emerald Isle' = Athena
Origin USA

The Chinese Elm cultivar Ulmus parvifolia 'Emer I' or 'Emerald Isle' (selling name Athena™) was cloned from a tree planted circa 1920 on the University of Georgia campus at Athens.[1]

Description

Athena is a small tree rarely exceeding 6 m in height, with a slightly broader, dense and rounded crown [1]. The leaves are a medium, glossy green, turning drab brown in autumn. The exfoliating, mottled bark is considered very attractive.[2]

Pests and diseases

The species and its cultivars are highly resistant, but not immune, to Dutch elm disease, and unaffected by the Elm Leaf Beetle Xanthogaleruca luteola [3]. As with the species overall, damage caused by Japanese Beetle is relatively slight.[2]

Cultivation

Athena featured in the elm trials [4] conducted by Northern Arizona University at Holbrook, Arizona, but was unsuited to the hot, arid climate and sustained over 50% mortality in its first year. It is currently being evaluated in the National Elm Trial [5] coordinated by Colorado State University. Athena was introduced to Australia in 2002 as part of the Australian Urban Street Planting Programme [6]; it is not known to have been introduced to Europe.

Synonymy

  • ? 'Athena Classic' (unchecked name)

Accessions

North America

Nurseries

North America

(Widely available)

Australasia

References

  1. Santamour, F. S., & Bentz, S. E. Updated checklist of elm (Ulmus) cultivars for use in North America. Journal of Arboriculture, 21(3): May, 1995.
  2. Brady, C., Condra, J., & Potter, D. (2008) Resistance of Landscape-suitable Elm (Ulmus spp.) Cultivars to Japanese Beetle, Leaf Miners, and Gall Makers. 2008 Research Report, Nursery & Landscape Program, pp 15, 16. University of Kentucky.

External links