Ulmus carpinifolia Pendula - Elm

Ulmus carpinifolia 'Pendula' (syn. U.minor var. 'Pendula') is a very beautiful weeping form of Small-leaved Elm, also known as the Elm with Hornbeam Leaves or Field Elm. This deciduous tree of large development has dense vegetation combined with a quite extraordinary silhouette that will be highlighted in a large garden or park, alongside oaks, maples, tulip trees, or cedars. Not demanding in terms of soil, this elm is capable of living for several centuries if spared from Dutch elm disease, which remains its main enemy.

Ulmus minor (syn. Ulmus campestris), from the Ulmaceae family, is native to a vast area covering Europe, Asia Minor, and North Africa. Once widespread in our forests and hedgerows, this tree has been decimated by Dutch elm disease. It now only survives in the form of coppice, regularly cut back by the disease, a few rare individuals that seem to escape it, as well as in the form of pretty horticultural varieties with reduced growth. The 'Pendula' form, seemingly quite variable, is distinguished by its long and slender branches that hang down to the ground. It seems to have been cultivated for the first time in Belgium around 1863.

'Pendula' is a very hardy, suckering, fast-growing deciduous tree that will reach an average height of 12 to 13m (39 to 43ft) and a spread of 10 to 11m (33 to 36ft), sometimes more depending on growing conditions. The bark that covers the trunk and branches is initially smooth. It cracks over time and sometimes develops corky growths. The foliage resembles that of hazel and alder. The lamina is asymmetrical at the base, at the level of the petiole. The leaves, measuring 5 to 7cm (2 to 3in) in length, are oval-rounded, rough, and finely toothed along the edges. Initially tender green when budding, they become a bright green on the upper side, with the underside often punctuated by reddish glandular dots with small hairs. Before falling, the foliage takes on a beautiful golden yellow colour in autumn. Ulmus minor produces inconspicuous flowering in March-April, before the leaves appear, with clusters of small green flowers developing on two-year-old branches. After the flowers, on female trees in the presence of male trees, bi-coloured winged fruits appear, which are light red in the centre and lime-green-yellow on the edges.

'Pendula' will delight owners of large properties who are fond of plant sculptures. It can be planted as a stand-alone specimen, for example against a backdrop of large maples, limes, or Common Hornbeam 'Purpurea'. In autumn, it will blend in with the flamboyant colours of 'Orange Retz' Hornbeams and Carpinus betulus Rockhampton® 'Lochglow', or Persian Ironwood, for example. It would also make a beautiful subject planted near a large body of water, similar to the weeping willow.