Hybrid parentage U. glabra × U. minor Origin USA | Cultivar 'Pioneer' | |
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Similar Ulmus 'Patriot', Ulmus 'Homestead', Ulmus 'Morton Red Tip, Ulmus davidiana var japon, Ulmus 'Urban' | ||
The hybrid elm cultivar Ulmus × hollandica 'Pioneer' is an American clone arising from the crossing of two European species, Wych Elm U. glabra (female parent) and Field Elm U. minor. Raised by the USDA station at Delaware, Ohio, in 1971, 'Pioneer' was released to commerce in 1983.
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Description
'Pioneer' is a fast-growing tree distinguished by a dense, globular crown, which as it matures becomes more broad than tall, like its U. glabra parent, and casting a heavy shade. The leaves are deep green, and similar in shape to the Wych Elm, colouring yellow and red in the fall. The perfect, apetalous wind-pollinated flowers appear in early March.
Pests and diseases
The tree's resistance to Dutch elm disease, rated 4 out of 5, is somewhat less than more recent American hybrids, and for this reason the tree was omitted from the elm trials [2] in eastern Arizona conducted by the Northern Arizona University. 'Pioneer' is also severely damaged by the Elm Leaf Beetle Xanthogaleruca luteola [3], sustaining more foliar damage (50%) than any other cultivar in an assessment conducted as part of the National Elm Trial at U C Davis., and Japanese Beetle. Tolerance of Elm Yellows in the USA was also found to be poor.
The tree's foliage was adjudged "resistant" to Black Spot by the Plant Diagnostic Clinic of the University of Missouri [4].
Cultivation
Considered "quite hardy in Saint Paul", and "definitely a good selection for the Twin Cities (St. Paul and Minnesota) urban forest" although very different in appearance to the American Elm. 'Pioneer' has had a very limited introduction to Europe, featuring in street tree trials in several Dutch cities in the late 1990s. The tree has reputedly been planted along Tilbury Road, Brighton, but does not feature in the NCCPG National Elm Collection held there.