Elms

Elms

• Elms belong to the scientific grouping or genus Ulmus.
• Several species, sub-species and many hybrids of the 18 north temperate species of elms are native to Britain.
• Apart from the distinctive Wych elm - Ulmus glabra - most elms in Britain are probably Ulmus procera but classification is difficult.
• Many strains of Ulmus procera have been planted over the centuries in the British Isles and some expert taxonomists recognise different sub-species or even separate species.
• Wych elm is a more woodland tree of north and west Britain and does not produce suckers whereas procera does.
• Known as the English elm, Ulmus procera was widely planted between 1550 to 1850 when hawthorn hedgerows were being put in during the Enclosure Movement.
• Elms were chosen as they are majestic when mature, and make good hedges as they grow vigorously from suckers produced from the roots of any felled trees (procera). They also tolerate atmospheric pollution and salty sea winds.
• In some countries, elm leaves are or were used as fodder for domestic livestock and were lopped or "shredded" for that purpose.



• The advent of a virulent strain of Dutch Elm Disease decimated the English elms from the 1970's and changed the face of the countryside here, especially in the Shire counties.
• Although young suckers grow up again in hedges, once they reach about 10cm diameter, the bark is thick enough for the elm bark beetles - of the genus Scolytus - to burrow and breed under them, carrying with them the spores of the lethal fungus Ophiostoma (Ceratocystis) ulmi.
• Elm wood was used hollowed out to make water pipes, for chair seats and wheel hubs as it resists strains.