The return of elm trees in French cities ; Le retour des Ormes dans les villes françaises

Dutch elm disease killed most of adult elms in cities in the mid-1970’s. Thanks to the breeding of more resistant varieties, the species was gradually re-established in most French cities. The very first varieties ('Lobel' and 'Dodoens') were replaced by the more resistant 'Sapporo Gold' (an Asian variety). However, its main branches tore out too easily, so that it was replaced by the essentially European, highly resistant 'Lutèce' and 'Vada' varieties resulting from collaboration between the INRAE and Alterra (The Netherlands). Quite a number of cities are planning to plant 'Lutèce' and 'Vada... Mehr ...