The native fluttering elm remained unknown in the Netherlands for years. In fact, Ulmus laevis was only discovered as a native tree in the Netherlands in the 1980s. There is a row of very healthy and vigorous, very old fluttering elms in Eibergen. Tree Nursery ’t Herenland discovered a uniformly growing seedling among a batch of seedlings of these fluttering elms. This seedling was named ‘Helena’, and is exceptional in the elm assortment because of its uniform growth.

The Ulmus ‘Helena’ has its old appearance, but meets all current requirements. It is an elm out of which we can get a lot of enjoyment. The leaves turn a brilliant yellow in autumn. This is the origin of the name ‘Helena’, derived from the Greek word hèlios: the radiant, the brilliant. The trunk is characteristic, with its deep grooves and quirky roots in older fluttering elms.

Like the fluttering elm, ‘Helena’ is not fully resistant against elm disease, but infections rarely occur in nature. The elm bark beetle prefers other elm trees. On top of that, aphid occurrence is markedly lower compared to modern (resistant) elm types. ‘Helena’ will grow up to 22 m after 100 years, with a crown diameter of 12 m, depending on its location. This elm is suitable for humid environments, can handle flooding for short periods, but even dry circumstances are not a problem for ‘Helena’. Onshore winds are not a problem either.

This healthy Ulmus laevis ‘Helena’ is a strong, uniform elm, suitable for both rural and urban areas. Highly suitable for public spaces.