cork bark elm problem

I stumbled on this thread while searching yahoo for cork bark elms...

3 or 4 of my own cork bark elms had these white streaks earlier in the year, including one bought at the Best of British Show at Edgebaston. The one from the show already had some streaking, although I didn't notice it until I got the tree home. Once I spotted it I had a closer look at my other cork bark elms, some of them had the streaks too.

I just thought it was some kind of short-lived variagation, I did notice that the youngest leaves got it and it diminished on most leaves after a couple of weeks.

Which kind of leads me to suspect that the streaks are a natural phenomenon in the species.

Chris.

There is a varigated Chinese elm. Think its called specked or something like that, Saw one at a local nursery 2 to 3 years ago. Wish Id bought it.

May be you have a one of those. How long have you had it.?

I have owned this tree for around 6 years some years it has these streaks some years others none but now the leaves with streakes are also deformed but not all ,but the tree is in great health and growing strong.

It may be a micronutrient problem. You might find a bottle of "minor element spray" or liquid chelated iron (which usually also has the other micronutrients, too) and add 10cc of it to your fertilizer mixture next time you fertilize.

Note that early spring is the best time to add the micronutrients. But any time should help.

Treebeard wrote:I stumbled on this thread while searching yahoo for cork bark elms...

3 or 4 of my own cork bark elms had these white streaks earlier in the year, including one bought at the Best of British Show at Edgebaston. The one from the show already had some streaking, although I didn't notice it until I got the tree home. Once I spotted it I had a closer look at my other cork bark elms, some of them had the streaks too.

I just thought it was some kind of short-lived variagation, I did notice that the youngest leaves got it and it diminished on most leaves after a couple of weeks.

Which kind of leads me to suspect that the streaks are a natural phenomenon in the species.

Chris.

Just noticed this thread. My cork bark elm does this too - some variegation on young leaves that mainly fades as they harden off. I had suspected chlorosis, but it's sounding like a common feature of this tree.

Never had any leaf deformation though.

Hi, I have just picked up on this thread. I have had this variegation on several of my cork bark elms. I thought it was a natural part of the trees growth pattern or perhaps some sort of sub species. It doesn't seem to affect the health of the tree. Has anyone had any bad experiences of having this variegation on their trees? Is it actually a problem or just another variant of the species?

It looks to me as some form of aphid has been removing the surface of the new soft growth. The tree is obviously growing well, so water and feeding are not the problem. Any herbisides carried in the air should show on other trees in your garden, if not, i would rule that out. All plants are exposed to the elements and always under attack in a number of different ways. Slugs, Catterpillers even Ants can strip leaves in no time and more often than not they target soft new growth. If the problem persists go out in the dark with a torch and you may find the culprit! if not a good sistemic watered into the soil should do the trick. If you dont like the look of thhe damaged leaves ( which may carry eggs) simply cut them off.

I have 2 CBE's and have had them for 10 years or more. I think this is a genetic problem. It comes and goes, for no apparent reason.

Hi Will. You say you have had cork bark elms for around 10 years. Can you tell us how they have developed over this time ,better still could you show photographs. I think it would make good viewing as we dont seem to show too many photos for new starts like myself to study.