Old Lyme, CT
Dutch Elm Disease virtually wiped out the population elm trees in America. It's caused by a fungus spread by a number of varieties of bark beetle. The trees were very prevalent in Connecticut at one time. In fact the city of New Haven is known as the Elm City. Now a days, it's rare to find a mature elm tree. This one is located on the property of the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, CT.
It is so sad to have lost this stately tree. In my youth most of the main streets of small Illinois towns were lined with elm trees which formed archways that shades these streets. I'm glad to know that there are a few left in existence. Thanks for finding this tree and posting the photos.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. I had read about Dutch Elm Disease as a child, and wondered if I'd ever see a mature elm tree. I read recently that to be considered a mature elm, the tree would have to be 60 years old. Although there are some varieties of elm today that be have been bred to be resistant to the disease, they would all be very young, in elm tree years!
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