Future Elm Trees

FUTURE ELM TREES - Pearl Anderson

For a number of years now, Roseburg has been most fortunate in having a vigorous and flourishing elm tree. Notably, the Courthouse Elm, recently given Heritage status and protection. Most cities that once had this stately tree growing in their parks and in front of public buildings have lost them to the Dutch elm disease. This disease has decimated over 77 million elm trees in the US.

New hope for the continuation of this stately tree arises from research, and clones from a 100 year old tree that has withstood the effects of Dutch Elm disease. The "mother tree" itself is succumbing to old age and physical damage over the years. It is, in fact, dying but not before a number of healthy, elm disease resistant starts were propagated. A few other survivors have been found and cloned. Some of these young trees are growing at a rate of 3 feet a year and do not succumb to doses of Dutch Elm disease they were deliberately exposed to.

There have been efforts since 1937 to find and propagate healthy, disease-resistant elms. At this time, it's projected that in the year 2000, elm tree starts will once again be on the market.

The American Elm has quite a history in the United States. It was beneath an elm tree that General Washington took command of the Continental Army. It seems that elm trees may once again be a part of American History.

Roseburg has a headstart on many cities. Ours is already 100 years old, and still healthy and growing.

(Thanks to Barb MacPherson for the information and clippings that provided the basis for this article...PDA)

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