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Ulmus ‘Morton Red Tip’

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Ulmus ‘Morton Red Tip’: An Overview

Ulmus ‘Morton Red Tip’, commonly marketed under the name Danada Charm, is a hybrid elm cultivar developed by the Morton Arboretum. The tree originated from an open pollination process involving Ulmus ‘Morton’. Throughout its history, Danada Charm has been occasionally misidentified as a hybrid of Accolade and the Siberian Elm, Ulmus pumila. This confusion often arises due to its commercial propagation techniques, which typically involve grafting onto U. pumila rootstocks. The cultivar has been subjected to rigorous testing in the US National Elm Trial, which is coordinated by Colorado State University, where it demonstrated an average survival rate of 77.5% over a decade.

Description

Danada Charm exhibits a graceful, vase-shaped habit that closely resembles the American elm, Ulmus americana. One of its standout features is the foliage, which emerges with a distinctive red tint. This striking characteristic not only adds visual interest to landscapes but also enhances its appeal as an ornamental tree. The structure and form of Danada Charm make it suitable for various landscaping applications, particularly in urban settings where space can be a constraint.

Pests and Diseases

Despite its many desirable traits, Danada Charm is not without vulnerabilities. While it has shown resistance to Dutch elm disease—a significant concern for many elm species in the United States—it is highly susceptible to several pests. Notably, it falls prey to the elm leaf beetle (Xanthogaleruca luteola), Japanese beetles, and Gypsy moths. Additionally, cankerworms have shown moderate preference for this cultivar. Such pest susceptibility necessitates vigilant management practices for homeowners and landscape professionals who cultivate this tree.

Cultivation Challenges

Danada Charm is renowned for its cold hardiness; it has been tested under artificial freezing conditions at the Morton Arboretum and recorded an impressive LT50 of −31 °C. This level of hardiness makes it suitable for cultivation in regions with harsh winters. However, one significant drawback is its tendency towards stem breakage due to narrow crotch angles and included bark. In trials conducted at the University of Minnesota, Danada Charm was noted as having the highest incidence of breakage among 17 cultivars studied.

This propensity for breakage poses challenges for growers who must ensure proper care and maintenance to mitigate damage during inclement weather or high winds. Furthermore, while Danada Charm holds promise and is being evaluated in ongoing National Elm Trial assessments, it remains relatively rare in commercial availability across the United States and Europe.

Propagation and Availability

Danada Charm is being actively promoted by Chicagoland Grows, a non-profit organization that focuses on developing and promoting superior plants for landscapes across the Midwest. Despite these efforts, it has not gained widespread availability throughout the United States as of now. In comparison, it remains quite rare in Europe and has yet to be introduced into Australasia as of 2016.

The following are some notable accessions of Danada Charm:

  • North America:
    • Brenton Arboretum – No details available.
    • Chicago Botanic Garden – 2 trees; no accession details available.
    • Dawes Arboretum – 2 trees; no accession details available.
    • Morton Arboretum – Accession number 60–2003.
    • University of Idaho Arboretum – Accession number 1998012.
  • Europe:
    • Grange Farm Arboretum – Accession number 1140.

Nursery Sources

If you are interested in acquiring Danada Charm, there are several nurseries known to carry this cultivar in North America:

Etymology: The Name Behind Danada Charm

The name “Danada” in Danada Charm pays homage to Daniel F. Rice and Ada L. Rice, whose philanthropic foundation significantly sponsored the elm breeding program at the Morton Arboretum. This recognition highlights the importance of community support and contributions that drive horticultural advancements and research initiatives.

Conclusion

Ulmus ‘Morton Red Tip’, or Danada Charm, stands out as a remarkable hybrid cultivar with both aesthetic appeal and practical resilience against certain environmental stresses. While its susceptibility to specific pests may raise concerns for potential growers, its cold hardiness and unique foliage color render it a desirable choice for urban landscaping projects that seek beauty without compromising on hardiness. As research continues through trials such as those at Colorado State University and with support from organizations like Chicagoland Grows, there may be further developments that enhance its cultivation practices and expand its presence in gardens across North America and beyond. For horticulturists and landscape designers alike, understanding both the strengths and challenges associated with Danada Charm will be crucial as they consider integrating this unique tree into their designs.

Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).

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