# Field Elm (*Ulmus minor*)

The Field Elm is a tall tree with rough bark and small, serrated leaves. It provides shade and homes for many animals, making it a great part of nature!

- **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Urban areas

![Field Elm](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Illustration_Ulmus_carpinifolia0.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Illustration_Ulmus_carpinifolia0.jpg)

## Appearance

The Field Elm is a medium to large deciduous tree with a rounded crown and deeply fissured grey-brown bark. Its alternate, dark green leaves have distinctively asymmetric bases and double-serrated margins. In early spring, small, reddish-purple flowers appear before the leaves.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** Rosales
- **Family:** Ulmaceae
- **Genus:** Ulmus

## Interesting facts

- Historically, Elm wood was used to make water pipes and ship parts because it resists decay underwater.
- Its seeds are flat, papery discs with a wing, called samaras, perfect for gliding on wind!
- Some Field Elm trees have unusual corky ridges growing on their branches, a unique texture!
- The oldest recorded Field Elm lived for over 600 years, making it a true ancient survivor!

## Special abilities

- **Tough Timber:** Field Elm has incredibly durable wood, especially resistant to water, helping it withstand decay in wet conditions.
- **Wind Whispers:** Field Elm has tiny, inconspicuous flowers that release huge amounts of pollen, allowing the wind to carry its seeds far and wide.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 2000-3000 cm
- **Spread:** 1000-2000 cm
- **Flower Size:** 0.5-1 cm
- **Bloom Season:** Early Spring (March-April)
- **Edible:** Yes
- **Toxicity:** None
- **Lifecycle:** Perennial
- **Pollination Method:** Wind

## Ecological connections

- **Eats:** Large Elm Bark Beetle (*Scolytus scolytus*) — larvae tunnel and feed under the bark
- **Parasitizes:** Dutch Elm Disease Fungus (*Ophiostoma novo-ulmi*) — blocks water flow, causing disease and death
- **Shelter:** Eurasian Red Squirrel (*Sciurus vulgaris*) — builds dreys and finds refuge in its branches
- **Eats:** [Elm Leaf Beetle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/elm-leaf-beetle) (*Xanthogaleruca luteola*) — adults and larvae chew holes in leaves

## Traits

- [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
- [Shade Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/shade-tolerant): Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
- [Broadleaf Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/broadleaf-tree): Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
- [Fall Color](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fall-color): Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
- [Timber](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/timber): Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.
- [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.

## Collections

- [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Stay on paths and don't climb trees without an adult's help.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Field Elm?

Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Field Elm?

2000-3000 cm

### How wide does Field Elm spread?

1000-2000 cm

### How big are the flowers on Field Elm?

0.5-1 cm

### When does Field Elm bloom?

Early Spring (March-April)

### Is Field Elm edible?

Yes

### Is Field Elm toxic?

None

### What is Field Elm's lifecycle?

Perennial

## Where to spot

- [Vexin français Regional Nature Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/vexin-francais-regional-nature-park) — Île-de-France, FR · Park

## More Plants

- [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*)
- [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*)
- [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*)
- [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*)

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Source: [Field Elm: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/field-elm)