Athena® Elm (Ulmus parvifolia 'Emer I')

Athena® (cultivar name 'Emer I') is a Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia) selection released by Athens Select. Compared with its companion release Allee®, Athena® has a smaller mature size and rounded crown, making it a frequent choice for residential landscapes and tighter urban planting sites.

Origin

Athena® was selected from a Chinese elm specimen at the University of Georgia in Athens by Earl Cully (Heritage Trees Nursery, Petersburg, Illinois) and Michael Dirr (University of Georgia). The selection emphasized compact form and dense canopy. Commercial release followed in the late 1990s through Athens Select alongside Allee®.

Identification

Form: Broadly rounded crown, dense and symmetrical

Mature size: 40–50 feet tall, 35–45 foot crown spread

Leaves: Small (1–2 inches), oval, single-serrated, dark glossy green; semi-evergreen in mild climates

Bark: Mottled exfoliating lacebark in patches of gray, green, orange, and brown

Fall color: Yellow to reddish

Growth rate: Moderate

Hardiness and adaptability

USDA hardiness zones: 5–9

Site preferences: Adaptable to a wide range of soils; tolerant of urban conditions, drought, heat, and pollution

Stress tolerance: Among the most adaptable smaller-stature elms

Dutch Elm Disease resistance

Athena® demonstrates high natural DED resistance characteristic of Chinese elm. Field performance has been consistent with the resistance levels reported for the species overall. The cultivar is also resistant to elm yellows phytoplasma.

Landscape uses

Residential street trees and front-yard specimens

Smaller urban planting sites (parking islands, patio areas, courtyards)

Park and campus plantings where a more compact elm is required

Mixed plantings with Allee® and other Chinese elm selections

Limitations

Mature size is too small for traditional avenue street tree applications

Cold-hardiness limited to zone 5 minimum

Litter from late-season seed drop can be an issue in clean-paved settings

Like Allee®, sometimes confused at retail with Siberian elm (U. pumila); verify cultivar identity by checking for mottled exfoliating bark

Similar cultivars

Allee® — companion Chinese elm release with vase-shaped larger form

'Drake' — Chinese elm cultivar with weeping form

Accolade™ — Japanese × Wilson's elm hybrid for larger sites

Related pages

What Cultivars Are Resistant to Dutch Elm Disease?

Disease-Resistant Varieties Guide

Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)

References

Ware, G. H. (1995). "Little-known elms from China: landscape tree possibilities." Journal of Arboriculture, 21(6), 284–288.

Griffin, J. J., Jacobi, W. R., McPherson, E. G., et al. (2017). "Ten-year performance of the United States National Elm Trial." Arboriculture & Urban Forestry, 43(3), 107–120.

Dirr, M. A. (2009). Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (6th ed.). Stipes Publishing.