Elm
ExploreTrees
Elm
Ulmus procera
Elm trees are tall and strong with wide, spreading branches. Their leaves are oval-shaped and have a serrated edge. Elms provide shade and homes for birds and insects.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Elm is a tall tree with a distinct vase-like shape, often spreading widely at the top. It has dark grey, deeply furrowed bark and bright green leaves with a noticeable asymmetrical base and double-toothed edges. Its small, disc-like seeds are surrounded by a pale, papery wing.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyUlmaceaeGenusUlmus
Category
TreesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Elm wood was once used to make ancient Roman water pipes because it resists decay when wet!
Its unique leaf bases are asymmetrical, meaning one side of the leaf is larger than the other!
Many famous elm trees around the world are centuries old, silently watching history unfold!
The inner bark of some elms can be made into a soothing tea or paste for sore throats and skin.
Special abilities
Ability
Wind-Powered Seeds
Elm has light, papery samara seeds that can float on the wind, helping it spread its offspring far and wide.
Ability
Rapid Growth Advantage
Elm can grow quickly in favorable conditions, allowing it to compete for sunlight and establish itself in new areas faster.
Ability
Tough Timber
Elm has incredibly tough, interlocked wood fibers, making its branches flexible yet strong to resist snapping in high winds.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 20-35 m
- Canopy Spread
- 10-20 m
- Edible
- Yes
- Trunk Diameter
- 100-200 cm
- Lifespan
- 100-300 years
- Fruit Type
- Winged samara
- Growth Rate
- Medium
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
Ecological connections
eaten by
Elm leaf beetle
Xanthogaleruca luteola
Larvae and adults feed on elm leaves, causing damage.
eats
Mourning Cloak butterfly
Nymphalis antiopa
Its caterpillars munch on elm leaves before transforming.
eats
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
Squirrels gather and consume elm seeds in spring.
eats
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Deer browse on young elm shoots and tender leaves.
parasitizes
Dutch elm disease fungus
Ophiostoma ulmi
This fungus causes the devastating Dutch Elm Disease.
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Timber
Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Also known as
English ElmUlmus
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Enjoy looking at elm trees from a safe distance and avoid climbing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Elm?
20-35 m
How wide does Elm spread?
10-20 m
Is Elm edible?
Yes
How big is Elm?
100-200 cm
How long does Elm live?
100-300 years
Where is Elm usually found?
Forests
What kind of fruit does Elm produce?
Winged samara
How fast does Elm grow?
Medium
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