Nation's Champion American Elm Dies

Dutch elm disease was detected in the United States' largest American elm in 2001. That tree just recently died. According to an American Forests article, the Grand Traverse County, Michigan tree was one of four champions to die between the previous and the latest report.

A fungus, carried by elm bark beetles, attacks the American elm. Part of the growth and reproductive cycle of the deadly fungus is dependent on water. Unfortunately, it deprives that water from an elms limbs and branches and eventually kills the tree.

The three other champions to die were hackberry, a co-champion cottonwood, and Longbeak Eucalyptus. The search is now on for new champions to replace these.

More on the American elm.
More on Dutch elm disease.