Tree 12

Ulmus glabra ‘Camperdownii’

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Quick Facts

Genus: Ulmus

Species: glabra ‘Camperdownii’

Common Names: Camperdown Weeping Elm

Mature Size: 7-13metres
Height: 7 metres
Width: 8.4 metres
Diameter at Breast Height (DBH): 65cm

Age of Tree: Mature, this tree has reached its expected size in this position; due to previous neglect, it has a large trunk wound on its north side.

Place of Origin: This tree was originally developed in 1800 from a sport in Dundee Scotland; where it was a dwarf. Later cuttings were grafted to stems of other varieties of Elm, to create a weeping standard tree.

Plant Habit: Grafted tree, single stem, with weeping head grafted to top of stem; resulting in umbrella shape canopy.

Growth Habit: Slow, this type of exotic tree is prone to drought and adversely impacted by poor soil conditions. Greatly restricting its growth and form.

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Story

This tree was most likely planted as part of the original planting in this park, it stands as a historic marker in this context. The original 100 trees in Caledonian Park were planted on the 25^th of July 1905. This Elm could also have been planted as part of a master plan which was prepared in 1907. Unfortunately this plan was lost many years ago.

This type of tree was first introduced in Australia in late 1800’s. 2 trees outside 315 Eureka St, Ballarat were planted in 1900 and are 13m tall.

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Horticultural Information

Preferred Conditions: Soil Moisture good in summer.

Soil Type: Well drained loam.

Tolerances: Short dry periods; does poorly in prolonged wet soil.

Pests: Prune to Elm Leaf Beetle (ELB); if this insect pest is not managed, it can result in the rapid decline in health within 2-3 seasons. In urban areas of Melbourne possums can decimate this type of tree. defoliating everything 2m above the ground.

Useful Life Expectancy (ULE): Medium, 100years+

Significance: Its distinct form of weeping umbrella shapes gives it a strong appeal to people and gardeners. It has attractive yellow autumn colour and very twisted and cluttered branch architecture have strong appeal; adding to its use and appeal to the public.

Flowering Characteristics: As with all Elms its flowers are mostly indistinct. Seeds are held in a round papery samara, found in small clusters on branches prior to leaves emerging. They are green in colour, and brown as they mature; spread on the wind; most seeds are not fertile.

Features: Foliage are large leaves of bright green colour, with strong yellow autumn colour. Leaves have an oblique base, as do all Elms; this species one side of the base can cover the entire other side of leaf attachment (petiole) and base. One of the largest sized leaves of all Elms, can be between 12-15cm long with a long acuminate tip.

Its bark is pale grey in colour, with shallow fissures. As will all Elms its bark is thin and easily damaged, though very stringy.

When pruning Elms, great care must be taken to prevent tearing of the bark and sharp tolls used to prevent the bark ‘fluffing’ at the pruning point. This slows the trees response to pruning. Elms are prone to fungal decay, which spreads rapidly once established.

Additional Notes

Previous neglect has resulted in a large open wound on the north side of its trunk; this adversely impact its overall health. It is now recovering; the mulching of the area under its canopy is improving the condition of the soil. This is helping to maximize soil moisture as the wood chips breakdown they will allow nutrients to percolate into the soil. This will attract beneficial insects and micro soil flora to this area and help to continue to improve its health. There are some wood borers present; the tree will respond against them as its health improves.

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