Ulmus 'Den Haag'

Ulmus hybrid
'Den Haag', Southsea Common, UK
Details
Hybrid parentage	U. pumila × 'Belgica'
Cultivar	'Den Haag'
Origin	The Netherlands

The hybrid cultivar Ulmus 'Den Haag' is a Dutch development derived from a crossing of the Siberian Elm Ulmus pumila and the Belgian Elm Ulmus × hollandica 'Belgica' in 1936 by S. G. A. Doorenbos (1891-1980), Director of Public Parks in The Hague. ^[1].

Description

The tree is distinguished by its pendent branches, and its foliage, which is creamy-white on emergence but turning lime-green and ultimately deep green by midsummer.^[2]

Pests and diseases

Although reputed to be moderately resistant to Dutch elm disease, drought, and frost, the tree has brittle branches, and is vulnerable to Coral-spot Fungus Nectria cinnabarina ^[3]

Cultivation

The tree remains in commerce in the Netherlands and New Zealand. 'Den Haag' is not known to have been introduced to North America.

Notable trees

The specimen shown growing near the entrance to the Skate Park on Southsea Common, Portsmouth, is the larger of only two known in the UK at 19 m high, 74 cm d.b.h., and currently TROBI Champion.

Etymology

The tree is named for the city of Den Haag (known as The Hague in English).

Synonymy

• Ulmus 'Ieplaan': old (original?) name for Ulmus 'Den Haag'.
• Ulmus pumila 'Den Haag': various authorities.

Accessions

Europe

• Brighton & Hove City Council, UK, NCCPG elm collection [2]. Large tree in Preston Park.
• Grange Farm Arboretum, Sutton St James, Spalding, Lincs., UK. Acc. no. 819.
• Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, Hampshire UK. Acc. no. 2008.0114

Nurseries

Europe

• De Reebock [3], Zwalm, Belgium.

Australasia

• Big Trees [4], Nelson, New Zealand

References

1. ^ Santamour, F. S., & Bentz, S. E. Updated checklist of elm (Ulmus) cultivars for use in North America. Journal of Arboriculture, 21(3): May, 1995
2. ^ 'Den Haag' in Handbuch der Ulmengewächse, www. ulmen-handbuch.de, [1]
3. ^ Heybroek, H. M. (1986). Tuin en Landschap, 8(12): 19, 1986