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Dutch Elm
Ulmus × hollandica
NW EuropeDeciduousAngiospermLarge (30m or more)
Introduction

A natural hybrid between Wych Elm and Field Elm, known in its main form as Dutch Elm and in clonal forms as 'Hollandica' or 'Major'. Several named cultivars exist, including the once-popular street tree Huntingdon Elm ('Vegeta'), which has more resistance to Dutch elm disease (DED) than many other elms.

Distribution

Uncommon, surviving in hedgerows as suckers or as young trees.

Biology

Monoecious, and a fully fertile hybrid. Wind-pollinated. Wind-dispersed.

Identification

This hybrid inherits its parents' form and foliage, though forms differ. Dutch Elm: tall (40m), lightly branched with a high dome, strongly suckering and often low-forking; brown small-plated bark, robust corky-winged branches; large (15cm) buckled glossy leaves with 10-14 veins, deeply notched seed-wings. Huntingdon Elm: tall (40m), domed with straight ascending branches, grey ridged bark, dark leaves with 14-18 vein pairs, a strongly asymmetric base and small-notched seed-wing.

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Key
Native statusNW Europe
Foliage typeDeciduous
Tree groupAngiosperm
Size classLarge (30m or more)
Conservation status (IUCN)No category recorded
Classification
DivisionAngiospermae
OrderRosales
FamilyUlmaceae
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