Ulmus × hollandica 'Virens'

Ulmus × hollandica
Hybrid parentage U. glabra × U. minor
Cultivar 'Virens'
Origin England

The hybrid elm cultivar Ulmus × hollandica 'Virens' Henry, the Kidbrook Elm, is one of a number of cultivars arising from the crossing of the Wych Elm U. glabra with a variety of Field Elm U. minor. First identified by Masters as U. virens in Hort. Duroverni 66, 1831, and later by Loudon in Arb. Frut. Brit 3: 1376, 1838 as U. campestris (: minor) virens.[1]

Description

The tree was distinguished by an almost evergreen spreading crown, retaining its foliage well into December. The leaves were oval, < 10 cm long by < 5 cm wide, long acuminate at the apex, and coarsely biserrate; the bark a distinctive red.

Cultivation

Probably extinct. Reputed to have grown well on chalky soils, but its shoots vulnerable to autumn frosts.[2] Henry recalls seeing only one specimen, at Ashwell Bury near Baldock, which he found resembled the Huntingdon Elm in many respects. [3]

Etymology

The tree was named for the village of Kidbrook in Sussex, England, but the association with that place remains obscure.

Synonymy

References

  1. ↑ Green, P. S. (1964). Registration of cultivar names in Ulmus. Arnoldia, Vol. 24. Arnold Arboretum, Harvard University.
  2. ↑ Browne, D. J. (1846). The Trees of America. Harper & Brothers, New York.
  3. ↑ Elwes, H. J. & Henry, A. (1913). The Trees of Great Britain & Ireland. Vol. VII. 1848–1929. Republished 2014 Cambridge University Press, ISBN 9781108069380
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