The tree is distinguished by its weeping form and large elliptic leaves, < 14 cm long by < 8 cm broad, almost the same size and shape of those of its female parent, the Japanese Elm, spinach green when mature, turning yellow and orange in autumn. [2][4]
Leaf and 1 Euro coin
Foliage
'Cathedral', Sneek Akkerwinde, Netherlands
Cultivars in Netherlands; 'Cathedral' at far left
Pests and diseases
Tests in the United States have found 'Cathedral' to be less resistant to Dutch elm disease than its WARF stablemates such as 'New Horizon', although damage is usually confined to the branch tips. Studies in France by the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) confirmed the tree as only 'moderately resistant'.[5] The leaves are also favoured by leaf hoppers and other insects that feed by piercing and sucking.[6]
Cultivation
The tree requires relatively high levels of maintenance owing to its predilection for breaks occasioned by branch inclusions. 'Cathedral' is widely available across the United States, and has also been commercially released in Europe.
Etymology
The tree was named by Mr Donald Willeke of Minneapolis, who observed that where planted in tight rows, a series of gothiccathedral-like arches was ultimately created between the trees.
^Smalley, E. B. and Guries, R. P. Asian Elms: Sources of Disease and Insect Resistance, in Dunn, C P. (ed.). (2000).The Elms - Breeding, Conservation, and Disease Management. Springer Science + Business Media LLC., New York. ISBN9781461370321
^Smalley, E. B. & Lester, D. T. (1973). HortScience 8: 514–515, 1973.
^Smalley, E. B. & Guries, R. P. (1993). Breeding Elms for Resistance to Dutch Elm Disease. Annual Review of Phytopathology Vol. 31 : 325–354. Palo Alto, California.
^Santamour, J., Frank, S. & Bentz, S. (1995). Updated checklist of elm (Ulmus) cultivars for use in North America. Journal of Arboriculture 21 (3): 121-131. International Society of Arboriculture, Champaign, Illinois, US. [1]
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