Ulmus glabra aka Wych Elm

Taxonomy

Genus Ulmus Family Ulmaceae Order Rosales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Ulmus glabra, also known as the wych elm or Scots elm, is a large deciduous tree with a wide range in Europe, from Ireland to the Ural Mountains and from the Arctic Circle to the mountains of the Peloponnese and Sicily. It can also be found in Iran. This montane species prefers moist soils and high humidity, growing at elevations up to 1,500 m. In Scandinavia, it forms pure forests and can be found as far north as latitude 67°N. It has even been successfully introduced in northern Norway and Greenland. In the British Isles, Ulmus glabra was the most common elm, making it the only indisputably British native elm species. It was often referred to as the Scotch or Scots elm, and Loch Lomond's name is believed to be derived from the Gaelic term for "Lake of the Elms." Some closely related species were once considered part of Ulmus glabra, including Bergmann's elm and Manchurian elm. Conversely, Ulmus elliptica from the Caucasus is sometimes listed as a regional form of Ulmus glabra. The tree can reach heights of 20 to 30 meters, exceptionally growing up to 40 meters, with a diameter of 180 cm. It has spreading branches and a broad, rounded crown. The leaves are large, rough-surfaced, and dark green, turning yellow in autumn. Ulmus glabra is harvested from the wild for various purposes, including food, medicine, and materials. It is also grown as an ornamental tree in parks and large gardens, with smaller-growing cultivars available. The tree produces small, apetalous flowers in early spring before the leaves appear. These flowers are wind-pollinated and clustered in groups of 10 to 20. The fruit is a winged samara with a single seed in the center, maturing in late spring. Overall, Ulmus glabra is a resilient and adaptable tree with a rich history in Europe and the British Isles.

Common names

Wych Elm, Mountain Elm, Scotch Elm

How to care for Wych Elm

Difficulty

Wych Elm requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Wych Elm should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Wych Elm is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.

Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.

Lighting

Wych Elm requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Wych Elm will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Wych Elm is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Wych Elm’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, north and west Asia.

More info:
Wikipedia

Report a problem

More Species in Ulmus Genus

Ulmus minor Common Elm

Ulmus macrocarpa

Ulmus serotina September Elm

Ulmus davidiana Japanese Elm

Ulmus Elm

Ulmus thomasii Cork Elm

Ulmus laevis Russian Elm

Ulmus wallichiana

Ulmus villosa Cherry Bark Elm

Ulmus alata Winged Elm