Some of the finest‚ largest‚ most beautiful and most unusual trees are the slippery elm‚ the lace bark elm‚ the American elm and the cedar elm․ They create a mosaic of greenery‚ adding to the character of their neighborhoods with their colors and shapes․ However‚ trees also provide important public benefits for the places where they grow‚ including habitat‚ public space‚ and improved air quality․ Knowledge of the features of these elm varieties allows their roles in nature to be better understood‚ or for them to be selected for gardening‚ horticultural or ecological restoration․
Slippery Elm Tree
Another useful multipurpose tree is the slippery elm (Ulmus rubra)‚ which grows to a height of 60 feet with a broad‚ open crown․ It has a stout dark bark․ These trees are easily identifiable and recognizable by hikers and walkers in the park․ The inner bark of the tree has been used in herbal medicine since antiquity for its demulcent properties․ The leaves are serrated and dark green‚ contrasting with the rough exterior of the bark․ The flowers are small and inconspicuous‚ clustered in groups during the spring months․ Slippery elm thrives in moist‚ fertile‚ well-drained soil and attracts a variety of wildlife․ The seeds are eaten by many birds and the tree is hardy․ It makes a fine ornamental and useful tree for its flowers‚ seeds and wildlife value․
Lacebark Elm
Ulmus parvifolia‚ the lace bark elm‚ lacebark elm‚ Chinese elm or zelkova‚ is a species of elm native to eastern Asia‚ where it is popular with arborists for its decorative bark‚ which peels off in thin sheets resembling lace‚ leaving the tree looking fine and detailed against a winter sky with bare branches․ The lace bark elm is a fast-growing tree to 15 m (50 ft) in height‚ able to withstand urbanization‚ disease and pest damage․ In addition to being used as an ornamental tree in city parks and gardens‚ it also has yellow fall color․ The small‚ round seeds are a food source to many birds and mammals making this tree a good choice for those interested in planting a tree that is wildlife friendly․ Its ability to tolerate dry soil and compacted urban soils makes it a species well suited to difficult growing conditions․
American Elm
Being the most widely distributed tree in North America‚ the American elm‚ Ulmus americana‚ with its great sweeping arches of branching‚ was a very common sight in America's culture and use‚ lining avenues in city streets and all around the towns of North America․ They reach a height of 100 ft (30 m); the canopy is often dense enough to form a living roof over other trees․ The deep green foliage consists of finely serrated leaves that provide a dense shade in summer․ It is widely planted in parks and gardens․ Despite serious disease threats such as Dutch elm disease‚ the routine practice of cultivation and the continuing breeding process for greater disease resistance have kept the American elm an enduring part of the American heritage․ Its great beauty and its particular value as a host to many insects and birds make it one of the most beautiful and valuable trees of North America․
Cedar Elm
he cedar elm‚ Ulmus crassifolia‚ has a similar growth habit to that of the sugarberry․ Its dark green and leathery leaves are smaller and more involute than those of the sugarberry‚ turning brilliant yellow and orange in the fall‚ while the tree is extraordinarily tolerant of drought․ The cedar elm typically can reach about 50 feet in height․ The bark and twigs are relatively rough and tough‚ making the tree appear to be more coarse overall․ Cedar elms prefer hot and dry climates‚ making them a great option for residents of warmer‚ southern climates․ Cedar elms also need well-drained soils․ Cedar elms are likewise valued for habitat for wildlife․ They are used as ornamental trees‚ planted in parks‚ along roads‚ and as shade trees‚ among other uses․ Cedar elms are an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their landscape while simultaneously benefitting local wildlife populations․
Slippery Elm
When planting trees‚ individuals may choose to plant slippery elm based on the additional value of the attributes of the species‚ depending on their interests‚ objectives or criteria․ For those interested in medicinal plants‚ disease resistance‚ or ecological diversity‚ slippery elm may be a suitable choice․ Lace bark elm is a beautiful tree and tolerant of urban conditions‚ while American elm is a large‚ majestic tree with historical importance․ Cedar elm is a great choice for drier climates‚ where it is more productive and offers brilliant fall coloration․ It is recommended as an environmentally friendly choice in hotter areas․ This can help gardeners‚ landscape designers‚ and other planners choose the best elm cultivars to suit their preferences and project requirements‚ given the different qualities of the species․
Elm Trees, a Hardy Native and Pest-Resistant Tree
As we conclude our journey through the diverse world of elm trees‚ we find an abundance of species that improve our lives and ecosystems․ Whether it's the resilient slippery elm‚ the impressive lace bark elm‚ the majestic American elm‚ or the hardy cedar elm‚ these trees leave a permanent impact on the landscape and our lives․ The trees thus planted lend beauty to the landscape‚ add to the general wealth of animal life‚ and furnish homes for the innumerable animals․ If trees of the proper species are planted over the surface of land they can contribute to a rich biological community and thus to a sustainable future‚ for many generations to enjoy the gifts of these great elm trees․
