Ulmus campestris Wheatleyi is a scientific taxonomic classification for a specific variety of tree belonging to the Ulmus campestris species. Ulmus campestris, commonly known as the Field Elm or English Elm, is a deciduous tree that is native to Europe and parts of Asia. Its scientific name, Ulmus campestris, is derived from the Latin words "ulmus" meaning "elm" and "campestris" meaning "of the field," which refers to its natural habitat in open fields and meadows.
The variety Wheatleyi, often referred to as Wheatley's Elm, is a specific cultivar or selected form of the Field Elm. It was first identified and named after Fredrick J. Wheatley, a renowned British dendrologist and author who extensively studied elms in the 20th century.
Ulmus campestris Wheatleyi shares many characteristics with the typical Field Elm, including its medium to large size, upright branching habit, and rough, fissured bark. However, Wheatley's Elm is particularly valued for its resistance to Dutch Elm Disease, a devastating fungal infection that has decimated many elm populations worldwide. This cultivar exhibits a remarkable ability to withstand and recover from the disease, making it a valuable choice for landscapes where Dutch Elm Disease is prevalent.
Ulmus campestris Wheatleyi is commonly cultivated in parks, gardens, and urban areas where its attractive form, dense foliage, and resilience to disease make it a desirable choice for shade and ornamentation.
