Ulmus glabra 'Camperdownii' - Camperdown Elm

Planted in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, New York, by A.G. Burgess in 1872 as a gift, this unusual tree has become famous for its pendulous branching habit, and beautiful weeping structure. The tree was originally found in Scotland by David Taylor, head forester of The Earl of Camperdown as a mutated offspring of a Wych Elm. The specimen planted in Prospect Park was uncared for over the years, and almost died, but then caught the eye of Marianne Moore, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author. She wrote a poem about the tree, and then it became famous, noticed, and then revered and cared for again. Now this unique tree is grafted to make exact clones, and then made available to nurseries like ours. 

It is recommended to stake the tree until it is about 5'-6' tall, then let it go and do its thing. Small reddish-green flowers appear in spring before the foliage. Hardy to zone 4.