ENGLISH ELM – Ulmus procera: [ 4 ]
Mature trees grow to 30m although since Dutch Elm disease they are now often part of hedgerows. The bark is grey brown, fissured and rough. Green leaves are round to oval, rough and hairy to touch and they can be 4-9 cm long. Dark pink flowers contain both male and female parts and hang in tassels in February and March. Pollinated by the wind the flowers turn into samaras, tiny winged fruits that are dispersed by the wind. Many birds and mammals eat the seeds and the leaves are food for both moth and butterfly caterpillars. The wood is strong and durable and can be used to make many things from floorboards to coffins.
Mature trees grow to 30m although since Dutch Elm disease they are now often part of hedgerows. The bark is grey brown, fissured and rough. Green leaves are round to oval, rough and hairy to touch and they can be 4-9 cm long. Dark pink flowers contain both male and female parts and hang in tassels in February and March. Pollinated by the wind the flowers turn into samaras, tiny winged fruits that are dispersed by the wind. Many birds and mammals eat the seeds and the leaves are food for both moth and butterfly caterpillars. The wood is strong and durable and can be used to make many things from floorboards to coffins.
