This month I decided to focus on the solitary ‘Atropos’, which is my name for the third of the Wych elms that reside in Old St Pancras’ churchyard.
'Atropos' & the camperdown wych elm
The tree bears a significantly long and far-reaching branch on what is otherwise a less contorted and more spindly specimen of Ulmus Glabra ‘Camperdownii‘. As such it represents Atropos , the inflexible and inevitable fate, reaching out to cut mortals down at the end of their their alloted life spans. 1
camperdown wych elm trunk damage
But that is only myth and this tree is only too mortal, displaying advanced signs of ageing and neglect. Close inspection reveals an array of wounds and decay from broken stumps of limbs, trunk scars and a deep hollowed out gash at the base.
Evidently some years ago, a side sucker emerged from the trunk that is both sign and symptom of a weakened tree. Presumably this is the original elm rootstock and although Camperdown elms are usually grafted on Wych elm (Ulmus glabra), the leaves of this one suggest it is more likely to be one of the alternatives that are sometimes used, either Dutch (U. × hollandica), Siberian (U. pumila) or English elm (U.procera). Interestingly the latter ultimately produces suckers, especially along its root.
side sucker on Camperdown elm
All Elm leaves are prominently toothed and have a characteristic asymmetrical base, tapering at the apex to a sudden point. The main discernible difference between the crown and these sucker leaves is one of proportion – seemingly smaller, less robust and pronounced in the veining.
crown vs side sucker leaves of Camperdown elm
leaves of spring green crepe delineated with darker, serrated edges
On the westward side of the church, ‘Clotho’ and ‘Lachesis’ the other two fateful sisters are faring a little better as these wyches too are scarred and broken, albeit less so. Despite this, all three trees are forging ahead with energy bursts of Spring green foliage in vibrant textures that are the mark of Wych elms.
'Clotho' & ' Lachesis', Camperdown Elms of Old St Pancras' churchyard
'Atropos', Camperdown Elm of Old St Pancras
There is a sense of expectation in Old St Pancras’ churchyard as rumour has it that the Olympic torch will pass this way. By then summery foliage will have decked the tracery, camouflaging the damaged trunks and contorted branches and transforming U. glabra ‘Camperdownii’ into the eponymous ‘Umbrella elms’. It will be worth the wait in gold! Meanwhile watch this space…and follow the link to Lucy and others at the Tree Followers.
Hi Laura,
As soon as I saw Wych elm on my sidebar I just had to pop over. I find them a great source of fascination.
The leaves are beautiful……I wonderful how many people notice them ?
I hate to see the trees damaged, but as with us, that is all part of life……
As always Laura an interesting post.
the wych elms literally have sprung. Hot off the press Cheryl – meant to preview not publish!
I find your tree posts so informative and love them, shame about the damage to the trees they are amazing survivers,
catching up on some of your other posts I enjoyed the update on the courtyard garden, glad you found a way to use the marble tiles, it’s nice when things come together, Frances
Island Threads read my post..back home
welcome back home Frances…just as I’m soon off for a few days break. Will have to catch up with your posts then
I never noticed these trees in my local park until I read your posts. Now I find them intriguing and can’t stop looking at them, convinced that mother nature must have a reason for contorting them so. Thanks for opening my eyes.
b-a-g read my post..African Daisies (19 MAY 2012)
the antecedents of these are an interesting experiment -cuttings from a mutant, contorted wych elm at Camperdown in Scotland, grafted onto wych elm stock
Laura I just love elms and since we don’t have many here anymore, it is nice to see those gorgeous leaves again..I remember them from my childhood. They are indeed amazing survivors and what a wonderful thing to have the torch pass them.
Donna@Gardens Eye View read my post..Carrots Love Tomatoes on Bloom Day
U. americana was decimated by the notorious Dutch elm but there are cultivars with resistance- see your National Elm trial
The new leaves are very beautiful – I like the fine folds. So green and fresh looking and such a contrast to the old contorted tree.
easygardener read my post..Seedlings, the greenhouse and a book
amazed that these old ‘uns can still produce such strong new growth
Trees are wonderful, I have a great respect for them. You showcased them so well!
Tatyana@MySecretGarden read my post..Part 3. Breathtaking Charm: Lakewold Gardens, WA
That little sprig has the most beautiful leaves I have ever seen.
Elephant’s Eye read my post..The Fifth in Dozen for Diana
Those stunning crepe-like spring leaves are just fantastic. What a beautiful tree.
Bernieh read my post..Have I Told You Lately? … My Dry Tropics Garden Journal … Week 23, 2012.
The leaves as they unfurl are so beautiful and is there anything more vibrant than that green?
wellywoman read my post..Blooming Marvellous – A Day with Sarah Raven
You are very correct in your comment that there are resistant elms. I am glad you mentioned that. Today I photographed some very large ones at an arboretum and will get around to posting them at some point. They really are majestic trees.
Donna read my post..Daniel Boone Homestead – Gorgeous Countryside
look forward to seeing your elms
Sorry to hear about the damage, but hopefully the healthy ones will bounce back just fine. Your close shot of the new foliage is mesmerizing. Lovely!
PlantPostings read my post..Plant of the month:Mock Orange
I love large old trees like these who have witnessed so much history! Their contorted branches and even their scars tell a story. It is always sad when a magnificent tree sickens and dies. I hope the best for these!
I also enjoy your tree posts Laura, the close up of the leaves is just stunning. In our city centre is a park which has several healthy mature Elm Trees. Loads of controversy at the moment as they want to make dramatic changes to the park which will mean removing these trees.
Alistair read my post..Erythronium Pagoda
any chance of preservation orders?
back from my short break and heartened by all your appreciative comments
Those leaves have a wonderful texture to them Laura, they really do beg to be touched. I wonder how long your Atropos has before it too is cut down at the end of its life.
Janet/Plantaliscious read my post..Between Gardens
not looking so good but there’s so much life still in those leaves that am hoping there are a good few years left
History in the trees just as they break out in new-ness.
Lucy Corrander read my post..TREE IN A DRAIN