U-M scientists seek to clone sugar maple trees

Cloning has come to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. In an attempt to clone pre-Civil War era sugar maple trees from Fort Mackinac, University horticulturists and staff took cuttings from the historic trees last June and now must wait until spring to see how many of them survive the dormancy period during the winter.

"These trees are the last living link we have with the 19^th century soldiers stationed at Fort Mackinac," says the Fort's chief curator, Phil Porter. "They were planted for the enjoyment and comfort of the soldiers. Unfortunately, they won't be with us much longer."

Photo by Paul Jaronski, U-M Photo Services

U-M horticulturist Bill Kronberg was contacted about the deterioration of the trees. "Frankly, I was surprised how stunted the trees were," Kronberg says. "For their age, those maples are in an advanced state of decline."

Kronberg climbed the trees in a steady downpour to obtain the cuttings, brought them to Matthaei, trimmed them and treated them with a rooting hormone. Now the cuttings will spend the next three years at the Botanical Gardens, where conditions are more favorable for their survival.

As the old trees at Mackinac State Historic Parks die, they will be replaced by the cloned trees. Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island is a living history museum featuring live demonstrations, exhibits and tours from early May to mid-October. The fort is a National Historic Landmark built in 1780 by British troops.

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