Elm träd
Elm: Description, Uses, Diseases, & Major Species: Britannica
The elm tree is an ancient one. We see evidence back over 20 million years ago; the elm calls most of the Northern Hemisphere home. The elm flourishes in so many soils and climates that it even grows far south of the Equator. Moreover, the elm thrives in natural and controlled environments. While the elm lives long lives, many of the elder elms are dying.
Bark beetles spread the Dutch elm disease to individual trees. Botanists are working on hybrids that are more resistant to this disease to save the species. Overall, we use the wood from the elm tree for many applications. The interlocking grain is unique, but it makes it incredibly resistant for splitting. Despite the resistance to splitting, the elm bends well and shapes easily.
14 Types Of Elm Trees And How To Identify Them
Throughout history, bow makers built bows from elm trees if yew trees were not available. Finally, we use the 35 elm species in many applications, from medicinal uses to art and literature. Elms trees are part of the Ulmus genus. All in all, it is an ancient genus, dating back to the Miocene Period. The Ulmus genus is part of the Ulmaceae family and contains both deciduous and semi-deciduous trees.
Also, botanists divide the elm genus into 3 subgenera. Being an ancient genus, many species are now extinct. In fact, the Dutch elm disease has destroyed many individual trees and species. The elm tree typically grows from 60 to 80 feet. Additionally, the canopy is beautiful and full, stretching close to 60 feet wide. Some of the ancient species grew to over feet tall. Most species grow close to two feet per year, but some species like the Chinese elm and the Valley Forge elm grow over three feet per year.
Overall, elm trees are large trees. Altogether, the canopy is large and spreads far. The leaves grow with jagged edges and are oval with a pointed tip. They grow close to 5 inches in length and range in color from light to dark green. Ultimately, the veins of the leaves are very visible.
Alm (Ulmus glabra)
Generally speaking, the leaves from the elm tree change to yellow in autumn. The bark is dark brown in color and grows with deep, vertical ridges. All in all, the bark looks like scales. The seeds of the elm tree are small and referred to as a samara. Also, they are light green and papery. In fact, they look like apple slices. They grow in clusters and disperse in spring.
The elm tree grows across the entire Northern Hemisphere. Overall, the elm sustains many climates growing in portions of the Southern Hemisphere as well. Elm trees grow in most of Canada.