Ulmus parvifolia 'Drake'

The Chinese Elm cultivar Ulmus parvifolia 'Drake' was marketed by the Monrovia Nursery of Azusa, California, first appearing in their 1952–1953 catalogue.^[1]

Ulmus parvifolia 'Drake'
Autumnal foliage, U. parvifolia 'Drake'
Species	Ulmus parvifolia
Cultivar	'Drake'
Origin	US

Description

A small tree, to 30 or 40 ft tall, with upright, spreading branches, the broad crown developing long, overhanging branchlets when older.^[2] The leaves are dark green.^[1] 'Drake' is also distinguished by having a bark that begins exfoliating at a relatively young age.^[3]

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.^[4]

Cultivation

'Drake' became the most popular form of U. parvifolia planted in the southern and western states of the United States.^[5] It is considered less suitable for planting further north.^[6][7] It has been described as "a poor choice as a street tree as it tends to have a low branching canopy and needs frequent pruning".^[8] In Florida it is reported prone to storm damage.^[8] One specimen is known to have been introduced to Europe.

Synonymy

• Ulmus 'Brea': Keeline-Wilcox Nursery, Brea, California, Cat. Winter 1952.

Accessions

North America

• U S National Arboretum ^{[dead link]}, Washington, D.C., United States. Acc. no. 36533
• Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida.^[2] No accession details available.

Europe

• Grange Farm Arboretum, Sutton St. James, Spalding, Lincolnshire, UK. One specimen, acc. no. 704.

Nurseries

North America

(Widely available)