Ulmus × intermedia 'Willis'
| Ulmus hybrid | |
|---|---|
| Hybrid parentage | U. pumila × U. rubra |
| Cultivar | 'Willis' |
| Origin | USA |
Ulmus 'Willis' is a hybrid elm cultivar which originated as a crossing made by a Mr Minnick of Kansas and treated simply as a hybrid. Almost certainly derived from a crossing of the Siberian Elm Ulmus pumila (female parent) and the Red Elm Ulmus rubra, it was originally believed that the male parent was the American Elm Ulmus americana.[1]
Description
'Willis' was described as having a smooth grey bark, large leaves similar to U. americana, and capable of very rapid growth.[1]
Pests and diseases
'Willis' has not been widely tested for resistance to Dutch elm disease.[2]
Cultivation
First marketed by the Willis Nursery Co., Ottawa, Kansas, circa 1959,[2] it is not known whether the cultivar remains in cultivation in the USA, nor whether it was ever introduced to Europe or Australasia.