Botanical sheet of the field elm and the diffuse elm
The field elm (Ulmus minor), quite common, and the diffuse elm (Ulmus laevis), not very widespread, are also called elm. They are among the typical species of alluvial valleys and, more locally, of hedgerows and the coastal edge.
Description of the elm
The elm is a 20 to 25 meters high tree, with a fan-shaped top and powerful ascending branches. Its longevity is exceptional, about 3 centuries.
The oval leaves are small and asymmetrical at the base. They are arranged on the same plane, on the branches, forming a dense cover of green color, then golden yellow in the fall.
The flowers of the elm are hermaphroditic, of dark pink color and appear early, before the foliage. They are agglomerated in bunches, at the end of the branches. Once hatched, they quickly evolve into clusters of winged seeds.
The great enemy of the elm
Graphiosis (Dutch elm disease): this is a lower pathogenic fungus carried by small insects, the elm bark beetle, which lay eggs under the bark. Once established, the fungus clogs the sap-carrying vessels and the infested tree dies by wilting.
This disease, which has been rampant since 1976, poses a real threat to the survival of the species. It particularly affects the tallest trees.
The qualities of elm wood
Elm is an excellent wood, hard, heavy, dense and durable, with a reddish brown heartwood.
It has a wide range of uses because of its aesthetic aspect, very figured (it is sought after for furniture, stairs, frames and floors) and its strength appreciated in carpentry and for the construction of piles.
Planting advice
If you wish to have an elm in your garden as an ornamental tree, plant it in the fall to encourage its rooting before winter. Mulching is recommended to preserve soil moisture in summer and protect the roots from the cold in winter.
Also, give it a full sun exposure.
Note: there are horticultural varieties, very elegant and limited in development.
