Elm tree named ‘UAMTF’

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of Winged Elm tree named UAMTF substantially as herein shown, illustrated and described, characterized particularly as to novelty by its strong central leader as well as the refined, graceful branching which is attained through minimal and insignificant cork-like wings in comparison to the heavy wings evident in seedling Winged Elm. These form differences, along with its resistance to the powdery mildew and other leaf-borne illnesses found in seedling Winged Elm makes my selection uniquely different from all known patent selections and seedlings.

Claims

1. A new and distinct variety of Winged Elm tree named UAMTF substantially as herein shown, illustrated and described, characterized particularly as to novelty by its strong central leader as well as the refilled, graceful branching which is attained through minimal and insignificant cork-like wings in comparison to the heavy wings evident in seedling Winged Elm, along with its resistance to the powdery mildew and other leaf-borne illnesses found in seedling Winged Elm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying photographs depict the color of the tree and foliage of my new Winged Elm tree as nearly as is reasonably possible to make the same in a color illustration of this character.

(2) FIG. 1 shows a selection taken in the wild from a field in Oconee County, Ga. in October of 2007;

(3) FIG. 2 taken of a field block shows the progeny of my new variety;

(4) FIG. 3 shows the overall fall color of the claimed cultivar;

(5) FIG. 4 shows the summer foliage of my new variety;

(6) FIG. 5 shows the new growth foliage of my new variety;

(7) FIG. 6 shows the strong central leader and pyramidal growth habit of my new variety;

(8) FIG. 7 shows the trunk and bark of my new variety;

(9) FIG. 8 shows the flower of my new variety;

(10) FIG. 9 shows the fruit of my new variety;

(11) FIG. 10 shows the side by side comparison of the very minimal corky wing-like projections of the claimed cultivar compared to the heavy corky wing-like projections which appear on opposite sides of the branches of the seedling Winged Elm tree.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Botanical Description of the Plant

(12) The following is a detailed description of UAMTF Winged Elm tree with color terminology in accordance with The Royal Horticulture Society (R.H.S.) Colour Chart (2001) except where the context indicates a term having its ordinary dictionary meaning.

(13) The named cultivar has not been observed under all growing conditions, and variations may occur as a result of different growing conditions. All progeny of my new variety, insofar as have been observed by the inventor, have remained genetically stable in all characteristics described hereinafter. Other than as set out hereinafter, as of this time, no other characteristics have been observed by the inventor different from common Winged Elm trees. Scientific name: Ulmus alata UAMTP. Parentage: Chance discovery by the inventor, Dwayne Moon, of a selection found in the wild in October 2007 from a field in Oconee, Ga. Propagation: Root description.The named cultivar is grafted onto seedling rootstocks, so the root system is expected to be typical of the species, which is somewhat coarse. Tree: Growth habit.Pyramidal shape with upright branch structure and a strong central leader. In a container or in the ground.In ground. Height.Approximately 18 feet at 5 years. Plant spread.Approximately 10 feet at 5 years. Growth rate.Height to width ratio 2-1. Average caliper growth rate between to 1 inch per year. Trunk diameter.Approximately 4 inch caliper measured at 12 inches above the ground at 5 years. Rises through the canopy and maintains a central leader. Trunk bark texture.The bark of a young tree has corky wings; the bark of a mature tree has flat plates separated by shallow fissures. Branch diameter.1.5-2 cm. Branch texture.Smooth with minimal cork-like wings. Branch color.Brown like N200A. Leaves: Arrangement.Alternate. Type.Simple. Sheen.Satiny to slightly glossy. Shape of leaf blade.Ovate-oblong to oblong-lanceolate. Leaf apex shape.Acute or acuminate. Leaf base shape.Cuneate. Leaf margin characteristics.Doubly-serrate. Description of any leaf pubescence.Glabrous above with axillary tufts below. Leaf length.3 cm to 7 cm. Leaf width.2.5 cm to 3.8 cm. Leaf internode length.About 2 cm. Leaf venation description.Pinnate. Petiole length.About 3 mm. Petiole diameter.1.5 mm. Petiole color.Yellow-green like (RHS 146D). Petiole texture.Pubescent. Spring leaf color.First emerging leaves are green like (RHS 138B). Summer leaf color.Upper leaf surface is a dark green foliage like (RHS 137A) while the lower leaf surface is a lighter green foliage like (RHS 137C). The center vein is yellow-green like (RHS 146D). Fall color.Yellow like (RHS 1A). Flowers: Overall.Small, insignificant, greyed red like (RHS 180B), in clusters, appearing March to April before leaf buds open. About 6 mm in length, consisting of a light green calyx with five rounded lobes (up to 9 lobes). There are 4 to 10 small flowers per cluster which average 6 mm in diameter. Shape.Pendulous. Size.Individual flowers have an average diameter of 6 mm. Color.Greyed-red like (RHS 180B). Anthers.Greyed purple like (RHS 183B). Pistils.Greyed green like (RHS 193D). Sepals.Petal-like lobes, length 0.6 mm, width 0.4 mm, texture fine, margin smooth, color (both surfaces) reddish orange like (RHS 172A). Petals.Length 1 mm, width 0.5 mm, texture smooth and fine, margin smooth, color (both surfaces) reddish orange like (RHS 172B). Stamen.About 5 to 9 stamens. Length about 2 mm to 3 mm. Diameter about 0.5 mm. Color: yellow green like (RHS 154B). Pollen.Yellow like (RHS 10B). Pedicel.Pedicels are slender. Length: 1.5 cm. Color: yellow green like (RHS 145A). Fragrance.None. Flowering season.Flowering in early to late winter to early spring. Flower longevity on plant.Individual flowers last about 1 to 2 weeks on the plant; flowers not persistent. Buds: Length.6 mm. Color.Greyed red like (RHS 178B). Shape.Spherical. Fruit: Flowers replaced by flat, hairy samaras that become mature during mid-spring before vernal leaves fully develop. Samaras about 7 to 10 mm long and about one-half as much across, typically yellow-green like RHS (145C). At tip of each samara, there is a pair of narrow curved claws.

OTHER CHARACTERISICS

(14) Pathogen and pest resistance: Trees of the new Ulmus alata have been observed to be resistant to powdery mildew and other leaf-borne illnesses common to Ulmus alata trees. Temperature tolerance: The new Ulmus alata is suitable for growing in USDA zones 6 through 9.