446) Ulmus americana 'Princeton' highly resistant to Dutch Elm Disease

Knoll Gardens in Great Britain have established a partnership with with Riveredge Farms of Atlanta, USA to reintroduce the Elm tree to Great Britain in the form of the 'Princetown' Elm (Ulmus americana 'Princeton'). The large Ulmus population in Great Britain and Europe have been devastated by Dutch Elm Disease wth millions of mature trees being lost. The USDA National Arboretum tested several selected varieties and seedlings of Amerucan Elms by injecting them to artificailly severe doses of the most aggressive strains of Dutch Elm Disease. The Princeton elm had a 96% survival rate combined with natural longevity. The cultivar was originally selected around 1920 by a grower in New Jersey. By grafting cuttings onto American Elm root-stock uniform specimens were produced that shared other superior horticultural and ornamental features including large leathery foliage. It is fast growing, durable and tolerant of harsh envorinmental conditions. Roads lined with these Elms in America, planted in 1932, remain in perfect condition today while other American elms were also wiped out by the Dutch Elm Disease. 'Princeton ' Elms have been produced on their own root further reducing the possibility of tree to tree transmission of the disease common in grafted Elms. It is claimed that the 'Princeton' Elm demonstrates superior adaptability, inherent vigor, hardiness and tolerance to stresses, especially in urban settings, unsurpassed by most tree species. For the English distributer Fax 0044 1202 870842, E-mail: elminfo@riveredgefarms.com For the US Nursery: www.riveredgefarms.com