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.[1] It was originally selected for its "outstanding growth (22 feet at 7 years)".[2]
Bushy in shape,[3] the tree grows to 15 m. tall and 12 m. wide.[4] Its leaves turn from dark green to yellow in autumn,[5] but the cultivar lacks the attractive mottled bark for which the species is renowned.[1][2]
The species and its cultivars are highly resistant, but not immune, to Dutch elm disease, and unaffected by the Elm Leaf Beetle Xanthogaleruca luteola.[6]
The tree featured in the elm trials [1] conducted by Northern Arizona University at Holbrook, eastern Arizona. 'King's Choice' is not known to be in cultivation in Europe or Australasia.
The tree was named for Benjamin J. King, who made the original selection at King's Men Tree Farms, Hampstead, Maryland.
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