The Chinese elm cultivar Ulmus parvifolia 'King's Choice', patented in 1985, is one of the early American selections best known for its winter hardiness, being able to withstand temperatures of -30 degrees Celsius. It was originally selected for its "outstanding growth (22 feet at 7 years)".
Description Bushy in shape,Photograph of 'King's Choice' at Arnold Arboretum, 2006; treesandshrubsonline.org the tree grows to 15 m. tall and 12 m. wide.U. parvifolia 'King's Choice', ulmen-handbuch.de Its leaves turn from dark green to yellow in autumn,U. parvifolia 'King's Choice', plants.beechwood-gardens but the cultivar lacks the attractive mottled bark for which the species is renowned.
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 The tree featured in the elm trials conducted by Northern Arizona University at Holbrook, eastern Arizona. 'King's Choice' is not known to be in cultivation in Europe or Australasia.
Etymology The tree was named for Benjamin J. King, who made the original selection at King's Men Tree Farms, Hampstead, Maryland.
Accessions
North America
Arnold Arboretum, US. Acc. no. 287-95 Holden Arboretum, US. Acc. no. 92-94
References