Ulmus davidiana var. japonica 'Discovery' explained
The Japanese Elm cultivar Ulmus davidiana var. japonica Discovery' is a cold-resistant selection from Canada, raised along with 'Freedom' in the 1980s by Dr Wilbert Ronald, of Jeffries Nurseries Ltd. and Rick Durand of Shade Consulting Services, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.
Description
Unlike other Japanese Elms, the growth habit of 'Discovery' is symmetrical, upright, and vase-shaped. The leaves are obovate to oval, and slightly smaller than is typical of the species, their colour dark green turning yellow in autumn.[1] The tree grows to over 15 m in height, with a spread of much the same dimension.
Pests and diseases
The tree is resistant to Dutch elm disease and elm leaf beetle Xanthogaleruca luteola.
Cultivation
'Discovery' performed very poorly in government trials https://web.archive.org/web/20051112163528/http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/opp4055?opendocument in Alberta, Canada, failing completely at five out of six sites. Moreover, the survivors developed a very poor branching pattern requiring pruning to strengthen crotches. 'Discovery' fared better in trials conducted by the University of Minnesota, which considered it "quite hardy", but the tree was criticized for its comparatively slow growth and need for continued crown thinning when young, the latter factor largely disqualifying it as a street tree.[2] Nonetheless, a number of trees have been established in the Minneapolis Parks system. The species does not sucker from roots. [3]
'Discovery' is not known to have been introduced to Europe or Australasia.
Accessions
North America
Nurseries
North America
- Bailey Nurseries http://www.baileynurseries.com/, St. Paul, Minnesota, US.
- Jeffries Nurseries http://www.jeffriesnurseries.com/discovery.pdf, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada.
- Johnson's Nursery http://www.johnsonsnursery.com/, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, US.
- Lee Nursery Inc. http://www.leenursery.com/isite/subcat.cfm?CatID=270&CatName=Deciduous%20Trees&start=true, Fertile, Minnesota, US.
- Linder's Garden Center http://www.linders.com/category/plants-products/trees/shade/, St. Paul, Minnesota|St. Paul, Minnesota, US.
- Minnesota Valley Nurseries http://www.minnesotavalley.com/shade_trees.htm#U, Shakopee, Minnesota, US.
- Patmore Nursery http://patmorenursery.com, Brandon, Manitoba, US.
- Robinson Nursery http://robinsonnursery.com Amity, Oregon, US.
- Sun Valley Garden Centre http://www.qscaping.com/NetPS-Engine.asp?CCID=20000011&page=results&Keyword=ulmus&Category=&Type=&Spread=Any&SpreadDim=feet&Growth=&Hardiness=7&Height=Any&HeightDim=feet&Canopy=&Application=&Texture=&Wildlife=&Form=&Density=&FlowerColor=&FlowerColorJS=&FoliageColor=&FoliageColorJS=&FallColor=&FallColorJS=&FruitPeriod=&BarkColor=&BarkColorJS=&FlowerPeriod=&Variegation=&VariegationJS=&FruitColor=&FruitColorJS=&Edible=&BarkTexture=&SunShade=&Moisture=&Pollution=&SoilType=&pH=&Submit=Search, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, US.
External links
- http://fletcher.ces.state.nc.us/programs/nursery/metria/metria11/warren/elm.htm Return of the Elm -the status of elms in the nursery industry in 2000. Warren, K., J. Frank Schmidt and Co.
Notes and References
- https://www.greenindustryshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Elms-Good-Bad-Ugly-Handout.pdf
- Giblin, C. P. & Gillman, J. H. (2006). Elms for the Twin Cities: A Guide for Selection and Maintenance. University of Minnesota.
- Heybroek . Hans M.. Proceedings of the Dutch Elm Disease symposium and workshop, October 5–9, Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Japanese elm species and their value for the Dutch elm breeding program. 78-90. 1981.
