The Chinese elm cultivar Ulmus parvifolia 'Drake' was marketed by the Monrovia Nursery of Azusa, California, first appearing in their 1952–1953 catalogue.
Description A small tree, to 30 or 40 ft tall, with upright, spreading branches, the broad crown developing long, overhanging branchlets when older. The leaves are dark green. 'Drake' is also distinguished by having a bark that begins exfoliating at a relatively young age.U. parvifolia 'Drake', willisorchards.com
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.
Cultivation 'Drake' became the most popular form of U. parvifolia planted in the southern and western states of the United States.Dirr, M. A. (2002). Dirr's Trees and Shrubs for Warm Climates, Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, USA. It is considered less suitable for planting further north.U. parvifolia 'Drake', Plant Database, University of Connecticut; plantdatabase.uconn.edu 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". In Florida it is reported prone to storm damage. 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 , Washington, D.C., United States. Acc. no. 36533 Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida.Photographs of U. parvifolia 'Drake' in Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida; Handbuch der Ulmengewächse (Handbook of the Elm Family); ulmen-handbuch.de No accession details available. San Diego Botanic Garden. No accession details available. Europe Grange Farm Arboretum, Sutton St. James, Spalding, Lincolnshire, UK. One specimen, acc. no. 704.
Nurseries
North America
(Widely available)
References
External links Ulmus parvifolia cultivar list. Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson, 'Drake' Chinese Elm