Deeply Rooted

The introduction of a new Hardy tree in our Prairie region is not an everyday event. It takes 10 to 20 years of selecting and testing. This was done by the North Dakota State University for the release of Northern Empress Japanese Elm.

This Elm is a great package deal.

First, being a Japanese Elm it is Dutch Elm resistant.

Secondly, it is mid-size, not overly large as Elms can be. It stands at 25 to 30 feet round and high.

Thirdly, its structure is appealing, more oval than the typical vase-shaped Elm. It is seedless or nearly seedless making it tidier and not a nuisance seeding itself out around flower beds and gardens. It has an extraordinarily rich dark green summer colour. This tree is soil and drought tolerant once established.

Lastly, and my personal favourite, it brings a new Spectrum to Elm fall colour. The colours change a little year-to-year but it generally becomes apricot tones and then finishes with a rich ruby-red.

This brings another fall colour into the dynamics of the yellows, oranges, and reds already available. I believe we may be the very first in Canada to be growing and selling it at the retail level. Although we only have smaller sizes available, we believe it will have a strong appeal.

This Elm will not tolerate soggy spots and has a medium growth rate and sturdy branch structure. I hope to enjoy seeing many of them in the landscape in the near future.