Ulmus glabra aka Wych Elm

Taxonomy

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

To ensure optimal growth, the Wych Elm prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

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