Elm Tree - Ulmus
Elm Trees are characterized by their tall, vase-like shape, serrated oval leaves with prominent veins, and gray-brown bark with deep furrows. They are majestic and versatile and have numerous landscaping benefits. Their impressive size, graceful form, and adaptability to different environments have been a favorite among landscape designers for centuries.
They are often grouped in vast forests. In the 1800s, they were planted in North America, Europe, and Australia for ornamental and similar reasons. Today, they are regularly seen in many cities throughout those regions as well as in countries elsewhere, such as Indonesia and Japan.
The Elm Tree Is Semi-Deciduous
This type of greenery consists of around 35 species, eight commonly found in North America and three endemic to Europe. They are deciduous and semi-deciduous, the former meaning they lose their foliage every winter, and the latter meaning this is usually done only briefly, especially in cold or dry conditions.
The famous leaves have jagged edges and are shaped like hearts. They are often home to small, white flowers as well. Meanwhile, the bark is generally brown, grey, or a combination of grey and green.
Elm Trees Are A Top Pick For Shade Trees
Those living where these are grown have enjoyed numerous benefits as a result. The most commonly known ones are their aesthetic beauty and the shade that they provide, perfect for hot summer days. They also help cultivate populations of animals such as birds and butterflies. That said, their most important benefit is their ability to remove pollutants from the air and soil.
They Can Get Over 120 Feet Tall
It is native to the eastern half of the United States and Canada and is Massachusetts' state tree. It can grow to heights ranging from 100 to 120 feet, although plants of this type tend to be shorter in colder climates. They can also live for hundreds of years, withstanding the chilly winter weather that occurs annually in many areas of this part of the world.
New York's Central Park is one of the most famous places, home to numerous plants of this type. The grove located around 66th Street is believed to be one of the most extensive groves of this type of plant.
They Have A Deep History
The first known mentions of them in literature occurred in the "Iliad," written in the 8th century B.C. These beautiful plants have been regularly written about and displayed in visual artwork for centuries.
Where do they grow best?
They thrive on loamy or black soils that drain easily and require less than 10 pts of moisture. It thrives in partial to full sun, but can be seen in parks, roadsides and woods. They grow in different environments but are most productive in an environment that has steady rainfall.
What was the wood used for?
In the past, the wood was valued for its great strength, and it was widely used for making furniture, wheels for wagons, and many tool handles. It was also very much employed in the construction of boats owing to its impermeability with water.
Is it a hardwood or softwood?
Elm Tree has the attributes of a hardwood because it originates from a broad-leaved type. However, it has a medium-density wood, which could be easier to maneuver than a lot of other hardwood types of timber. It has interlock grain that makes it highly resistant to splitting and has very good strength.
What fruit do they produce?
They have small, round, woody nutlets known as samaras. These fruits are normally less than an inch in diameter and consist of only one seed in the middle. They are wind-dispersed, meaning that you find them growing over large areas.