Ulmus 'Klemmer'

The elm cultivar Ulmus 'Klemmer' or Flanders Elm, is probably one of a number of hybrids arising from the crossing of the Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra) with a variety of Field Elm (Ulmus minor), making it a variety of Ulmus × hollandica . Originating in the Bruges area, it was released in 1789 and was listed at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew as Ulmus × hollandica var. Klemmerii. The name 'Klemmer' derives, however, from the Flemish for 'climber', a reference to the tree's rapid growth and lofty height; so Klemmerii is a misnomer, incorrectly implying a proper noun Klemmer. This elm's rapid growth in its native area suggests F1 hybrid vigour, though the tree was regarded by Green as "possibly U. carpinifolia (: minor)", fast growth is not usually a feature of U. minor in Northern Europe.

NB. The tree should not be confused with 'Klehmii', a cultivar of Ulmus americana named for Charles Klehm, an Illinois nurseryman.

Description

A rapid growing tree, tall with ascending branches initially forming a narrow, pyramidal head which later broadens, and producing numerous root-suckers and some epicormic shoots. 'Klemmer' has a straight, cylindrical stem. The bark is smooth in young trees and later fissured. The leaves are ovate, up to 7.5 cm (3 in) long and up to 5.0 cm (2 in) broad, shortly acuminate at the apex, the upper surface scabrous and glabrescent. The samarae are distinguished by a seed situated close to the emargination. The timber is reddish in hue, strong but liable to warping.