Overview of Ulmus macrocarpa
Ulmus macrocarpa, commonly known as the "bigleaf" or "Oregon" elm, is a large deciduous tree native to the western United States. The tree can reach heights of up to 100 feet and has a wide canopy spread, making it an excellent shade tree.
Appearance
The Ulmus macrocarpa has a distinctive appearance with its rough, deeply furrowed bark that can range in color from gray to brown. The leaves are large, ovate, and dark green, with a rough texture on top and a downy underside. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow and drop, leaving behind the tree's leathery samaras.
Common Uses
The Ulmus macrocarpa has many uses and benefits. The tree is often planted in public spaces as a shade tree because of its impressive height and width. The tree's wood is also used for many things, including furniture, flooring, and interior finishings. The tree is also popular for its ornamental value, with some cultivars grown for their eye-catching bark color or their resistance to Dutch elm disease, a common affliction for elms.
Medicinally, tea made from Ulmus macrocarpa bark has been used for centuries by Native American tribes to treat sore throats, coughs, and other respiratory disorders.
Conclusion
The Ulmus macrocarpa is a hardy and versatile tree with many uses and benefits. As an ornamental, it adds aesthetic beauty to any landscape, while its wood serves a variety of functional purposes. Additionally, the tree's bark has a long history of medicinal use, highlighting the plant's potential as a natural remedy.
Light Requirements
The Ulmus macrocarpa plant prefers full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but will not develop as well. It's crucial to keep the plant in an area with adequate sunlight exposure and not block the sunlight by surrounding trees or structures.
Temperature Requirements
The Ulmus macrocarpa grows best within a temperature range of 60-80°F (15-27°C). It can survive in colder temperatures down to 20°F (-7°C) but is susceptible to frost damage in temperatures below 28°F (-2°C). The plant does well in a climate with mild winters and warm summers.
Soil Requirements
The Ulmus macrocarpa requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows best in soil that is slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5), but it can tolerate alkaline soil as well. Sandy loam and loamy soils are ideal for this plant. It's recommended to amend the soil with compost to increase nutrient content and improve soil structure. The plant also can withstand occasional drought conditions but requires regular watering during prolonged drought periods.
Cultivation
Ulmus Macrocarpa, commonly known as the "big fruited elm" or the "Hican's Elm," is a hardy tree native to North America. It is adaptable to various types of soils, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils, as long as they're well-draining. The tree thrives in full sunlight, but it can also tolerate partial shade. When planting, ensure the hole is deep and wide enough to accommodate the root ball, and the soil is loosened up to promote root growth.
Watering Needs
Ulmas macrocarpa trees prefer well-draining soils, but they require frequent watering to establish a deep root system. Ensure the soil remains moist, but not waterlogged, during the first few growing seasons after planting. Once the root system is well-established, the tree can withstand long periods of drought without much assistance.
Fertilization
Fertilizing the Ulmus Macrocarpa is necessary, primarily when grown in nutrient-deficient soils. Apply a complete fertilizer with balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels once or twice a year during the growing season. Always read the directions to avoid over-fertilization, which can damage the roots and negatively affect the tree's growth and health.
Pruning
Pruning the Ulmus Macrocarpa is necessary to maintain its shape, remove broken or damaged branches, and increase sunlight penetration to promote growth. The ideal time to prune is during the dormant season when the tree is not actively growing. Ensure you use sanitized tools to prevent the transmission of diseases and pests. Cut small branches adjacent to the tree trunk and larger branches further out to avoid damaging the bark. Always ensure the cut is clean and smooth to promote healing and avoid infestation.
Propagation of Ulmus macrocarpa
Ulmus macrocarpa, commonly known as the "large-fruited elm," can be propagated using several methods, including seed propagation, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Ulmus macrocarpa from seed is possible, but it is not commonly used since the success rate is low. The seeds require cold stratification before planting to promote germination. The seeds must be soaked in water for two days before planting, and then they must be sown in a well-draining potting mix. The pots should be kept moist, and the seeds will germinate in 2-4 weeks. After germination, the seedlings should be fertilized and grown in a bright and humid environment before transplanting into their permanent location.
Cuttings
Ulmus macrocarpa can also be propagated using cuttings. Hardwood cuttings can be taken from dormant branches in early spring using a sharp, clean knife. The cuttings should be about 6-8 inches long and have at least two nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Then, plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it in a bright and humid environment. The cutting should root in 6-8 weeks, and then it can be transplanted into its permanent location.
Grafting
Grafting is a common method of propagating Ulmus macrocarpa since it results in the replication of desirable traits, such as disease resistance. The process involves joining a young U. macrocarpa rootstock with a scion from the desired plant. The graft should be done in early spring when the sap is flowing and the buds are beginning to swell. The rootstock should be cut about 2-3 inches above the soil line, and the scion should be attached using a whip graft or a bark graft. The graft should be wrapped in grafting tape and kept in a warm, humid environment until the graft is successful. The rootstock and scion should grow together in 6-12 months.
Disease Management
Ulmus macrocarpa is susceptible to various diseases, including Dutch elm disease, verticillium wilt, anthracnose, and elm yellows.
Dutch elm disease is a fungal disease that is transmitted by beetles and causes wilting and death of the branches. To manage this disease, it is essential to prune the infected branches and dispose of them appropriately. Also, preventive measures such as injecting systemic fungicides into the trunk can be taken.
Verticillium wilt is also a fungal disease that causes yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. The fungus lives in the soil and penetrates the roots, causing irreversible damage. To manage this disease, it is necessary to remove the infected trees and avoid planting susceptible trees in the same area.
Anthracnose is caused by a fungal pathogen that causes leaf spots and defoliation. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove the infected leaves and improve air circulation around the tree. Fungicide sprays can also be used as a preventative measure.
Elm yellows is a bacterial disease that causes yellowing of leaves and eventually death of the tree. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease, and infected trees must be removed promptly.
Pest Management
Ulmus macrocarpa is also susceptible to various pests, including elm leaf beetle, Japanese beetle, and gypsy moth.
Elm leaf beetle causes defoliation of the tree and can be managed by handpicking the beetles or using insecticide sprays.
Japanese beetle is a voracious feeder that causes extensive damage to the leaves and flowers. To manage this pest, it is essential to handpick or use insecticide sprays.
Gypsy moth also causes defoliation of the tree and can be managed by using pheromone traps or insecticide sprays.
In addition to these pests, squirrels and rodents can cause damage to the bark of the tree. To manage this pest, it is necessary to use tree guards or traps.
Regular monitoring of the tree for pests and diseases is essential to maintain the health of Ulmus macrocarpa.
