Ulmus thomasii aka Cork Elm

Taxonomy

Ulmus thomasii, also known as the rock elm or cork elm, is a deciduous tree native to the Midwestern United States, ranging from southern Ontario and Quebec to Tennessee, northeastern Kansas, and Minnesota. The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and may live for up to 300 years. Its crown is cylindrical and upright with short branches, narrower than most other elms. The bark is grey-brown and deeply furrowed into scaly, flattened ridges, with older branches having 3-4 irregular thick corky wings, hence the name cork elm. The leaves are oval to obovate with a round, symmetrical base and acuminate apex, 5-10 cm long and 2-5 cm wide, with a shiny dark green surface that turns bright yellow in autumn. Although there are no known cultivars of Ulmus thomasii, and it is no longer in commerce, it is sometimes grown as a rare houseplant known for its ability to retain moisture in the soil. Cork elm needs regular watering and long-lasting direct light, and should be less than a foot from a window. Repotting each time it doubles in size should provide sufficient nutrients without added fertilizers.

Common names

Cork Elm, Rock Elm

How to care for Cork Elm

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Cork Elm is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

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

Soil

Cork Elm is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Rock Elm is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Rock Elm with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Cork Elm with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.

Lighting

Cork Elm requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Rock Elm is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

The Cork Elm is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Region of origin

Cork Elm’s native range is Central and Northeastern N. America - Quebec to Ontario, Minnesota, Kentucky, Missouri and Nebraska.


More info:
Wikipedia