This name is not accepted by all botanists. The taxon is very closely related to Ulmus minor and is sometimes treated as a form of that species (as Ulmus minor var. vulgaris Richens) and sometimes as a single clone or cultivar (as Ulmus minor 'Atinia'). This treatment, however, is not universal and so, until a more clear picture emerges as a result of more research, we are maintaining Ulmus procera[].

Common Name: English Elm

General Information

Ulmus procera is a deciduous tree growing up to 35 metres tall, exceptionally to 45 metres. The bole can be up to 150cm in diameter[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is also harvested commercially for its wood and medicinal uses. Often grown in hedgerows, the tree is also cultivated as an ornamental and shade tree along the sides of roads and in large parks and gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Western and southern Europe, - Britain, Spain, the Balkans.

Habitat

Hedgerows, by woods and roads, less frequent in the north[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	25.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a fertile soil in full sun[], but is easily grown in any soil of at least moderate quality so long as it is well drained[]. Tolerant of atmospheric pollution[].
The English elm is susceptible to 'Dutch elm disease', a disease that has destroyed the greater part of all the native elm trees growing in countries such as Britain and USA. The disease is spread by means of beetles. Mature trees killed back by the disease will often regrow from suckers, but these too will succumb when they get larger. There is no effective cure (1992) for the problem, but most E. Asian, though not Himalayan, species are resistant (though not immune) to the disease so the potential exists to use these resistant species to develop new resistant hybrids with the native species[].
The various species hybridize freely, the pollen stores well and can be kept for use with species that flower at different times[].
A food plant for the caterpillars of many lepidoptera species[], there are 80 species of insects associated with this tree[]. A good tree for growing grapes into[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked[, , ]. They can be a little bit bitter, especially if not very young, and have a mucilaginous texture[]. They make a nice addition to a mixed salad[].

Immature fruits, used just after they are formed - raw[, ]. An aromatic, unusual flavour, leaving the mouth feeling fresh and the breath smelling pleasant[]. They contain about 34.4% protein, 28.2% fat, 17% carbohydrate, 5% ash[].

Inner bark - cooked. A mucilaginous texture[]. It can be dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickening in soups etc or mixed with cereals when making bread[, ].

A tea is made from the leaves[].

Medicinal

The dried inner bark is anti-inflammatory, astringent, demulcent, mildly diuretic, resolvent, tonic and vulnerary[, , ]. It is used both internally and externally in the treatment of diarrhoea, rheumatism, wounds, piles etc and is also used as a mouthwash in the treatment of ulcers[, , ].
The inner bark is harvested from branches 3 - 4 years old and is dried for later use[].

The sap has been used in the treatment of baldness[].

The leaves are astringent and have been powdered then used in the treatment of haemorrhoids[]. A decoction is used to treat reddened and inflamed skin as well as to relieve various skin disorders[].

The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for prescribing it are 'Occasional feelings of inadequacy', 'Despondency' and 'Exhaustion from over-striving for perfection'[].

A homeopathic remedy is made from the inner bark[]. It is used as an astringent[] and as a treatment for eczema[].

Other Uses

A fibre from the inner bark is very tough[]. It is used for making mats and ropes[].

Tannin and a dyestuff are obtained from the inner bark[]. No details of the colour are given.

The wood is a valuable timber. It is close-grained, free from knots, very durable under water, fairly hard, elastic, withstands abrasion and salt water, but does not take a high polish. It is very resistant to splitting. It is used for water pipes, wheels, mallet heads, ships keels etc[, , ].
The wood makes a good fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - if sown in a cold frame or outdoor seedbed as soon as ripe it usually germinates in a few days. A high proportion of the seed is not viable but seed is normally freely produced and can be sown thickly to take into account the poor viability. Stored seed does not germinate so well and should be sown in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Plants should not be allowed to grow for more than two years in a nursery bed since they form a tap root and will then move badly.
Layering of suckers or coppiced shoots.