Tree Species: Wych elm (Ulmus glabra).

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Native to the UK and much of northern and central Europe.

Deciduous – leaves fall in autumn.

Leaves: Large (up to 15 cm long), broad, oval with a long pointed tip, and a distinctive asymmetric base. Margins are double-toothed. Upper surface rough and sandpapery, underside paler with fine hairs. Arranged alternately.

Bark: Grey-brown, smooth on young trees, becoming rough, fissured, and corky with age.

Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Small, reddish-purple flowers appear in early spring before leaves. Fruits are flat, round, papery “samaras” (like small discs with the seed in the centre), ripening in late spring.

Overall shape: A large, broad-crowned tree with a spreading habit. Can develop a massive trunk when mature.

20–30 m tall; spread 12–18 m.

Found across the UK, especially in northern and western areas. Common in moist, fertile soils in valleys, woodlands, hedgerows, and riverbanks. More abundant in Scotland than in southern England.

Very large, rough leaves with asymmetrical bases.

Papery round seed discs in spring.

Often found in upland and wetter areas.

Spring: Flowers appear before leaves; fruits (samaras) develop quickly.

Summer: Dense green foliage with large leaves.

Autumn: Leaves turn dull yellow before dropping.

Winter: Bare branches, fissured bark prominent.

Timber was valued for its strength and resistance to splitting; used for wheel hubs, furniture, and beams.

Historically planted as a boundary and shade tree in farms and villages.

Today less used, partly due to Dutch Elm Disease.

Supports caterpillars of several moths (e.g. white-letter hairstreak butterfly depends on elm for breeding).

Seeds eaten by birds and small mammals.

Provides nesting sites for birds in its dense canopy.

Wych elm is the only truly native elm species in much of the UK.

Unlike English elm, it can reproduce from seed rather than just suckers, which historically allowed it to colonise upland woods.

The species has been badly affected by Dutch Elm Disease, though isolated trees and upland populations survive better.

Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.

Soil: Prefers moist, fertile soils but tolerates a range (clay, loam, sandy). Best in neutral to slightly acidic conditions.

Light: Full sun to partial shade.

Watering: Water young trees well until established; prefers moist sites.

Spacing: 8–12 m apart for large plantings.

Aftercare: Mulch to retain moisture. Protect saplings from browsing animals. Some disease-resistant elm cultivars exist, but true wych elm is vulnerable to Dutch Elm Disease.

Urban: Generally unsuitable due to vulnerability to Dutch Elm Disease, though resistant cultivars may be used in landscaping.

Garden: Not suited to small gardens due to size; can work in large gardens, estates, or natural woodland plantings.