About

A large, deciduous tree, commonly known as the English elm, which was once a dominant feature of the British countryside growing up to 35 meters tall with a broad, rounded crown. The leaves are round to oval with a characteristic asymmetrical base, that taper to a sharp point and turn butter-yellow in autumn. Since the prevalence of Dutch elm disease, it is now only found occasionally found in hedgerows or woodland in England and Wales. The bark is grey-brown, rough and fissured, often with suckers growing from the base of the trunk. The twigs and oval pointed buds are covered in fine, reddish hairs. The leaves are dark green, approximately 4-9 cm in length, sharply double-toothed, hairy and rough to touch on the top surface. Flowers, rarely if ever produced, are dark pink to red and hang in tassels, appearing between February and March and once pollinated by the wind develop into tiny, winged fruits, known as samaras.

About the genus

Ulmus are deciduous trees, often large, with elliptic or ovate leaves often colouring well in autumn; inconspicuous flowers are followed by winged fruits

Growing conditions

Plant details

Care notes