How to identify Field elm (Ulmus minor)

How to identify Field elm (Ulmus minor)

Field elm, also known as Common elm, Atinian elm

Field elm displays a distinguished oval silhouette with a robust straight trunk and slender, upward-reaching branches. Typically found in sunny locations, this medium-sized tree thrives in a broad spectrum of soil conditions, from various pH levels to saline environments, though it favors moisture-retentive, fertile earth with efficient drainage. Despite this preference, field elm proves resilient in wetter soils. Its growth rate is notably swift, achieving optimal health and form when pruned during the autumn months of September to October. Pruning during this period encourages a healthier tree structure and appearance.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Field elm

Distinctive corky warts on slender stem, rough texture. Buds pubescent, clustered along surface. (stem)

Blocky interlocking bark pattern develops with age. Moderate thickness, greyish hue. (trunk_and_bark)

Oval silhouette, straight trunk, upward-reaching branches. Swift growth rate, prefers moist, fertile soil. (whole plant)

Small, reddish-green inconspicuous flowers in dense clusters. Petal-less, unnoticeable scent. (flower)

Flat, heart-shaped pale green samara with distinctive notch. Wind dispersed, light weight. (fruit)

Detailed Traits of Field elm

Leaf Features

The leaves of field elm are oblong to elliptical, measuring 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) in length and 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) in width. They have an acuminate tip and doubly serrate margins. In autumn, the leaves exhibit a modest yellow color. The leaf's surface is typically smooth, with prominent veins that are pinnately arranged, contributing to their characteristic texture. These leaves are crucial for identification due to their distinct shape, serration, and vein pattern.

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Flower Features

Field elm flowers are small and inconspicuous, usually appearing in late winter. They exhibit separate male and female blooms on the same tree. Male flowers consist of clusters of stamens, while female flowers have a more simplified structure. The reddish-green blooms lack petals and measure approximately 0.1-0.2 inches (2-5 mm) in size. These flowers typically grow in dense, rounded clusters, often mingling amidst emerging buds. They lack a noticeable scent and offer a subtle early sign of the tree's flowering period.

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Stem Features

The stem of field elm is typically slender and covered with distinctive corky warts, adding a rough texture. It exhibits a reddish-brown to black coloration in winter, with short, ovoid, and pubescent buds clustering along its surface. The branching pattern is generally dense, and mature stems can reach a diameter of 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm). These characteristic buds and surface textures make the stem easily identifiable.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of field elm is a distinctive, pale green samara that typically measures up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. It exhibits a flat, papery texture and is shaped with a notable notch at its top, which gives it a somewhat heart-shaped appearance. In its center, the fruit contains a singular, compressed seed. The samara is borne in clusters and is designed to be wind-dispersed, with its light weight and flattened wing aiding in its distribution.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Field elm and Their Similar Plants

Siberian elm vs. Field elm: What's The Difference?

Siberian elm is a deciduous plant recently introduced to Southern Europe from Asia. The plant rapidly resprouts from its roots and is considered invasive. It is planted to break winds and control soil erosion. The plant is quite hardy and can grow in soils that are saline or polluted.

American elm vs. Field elm: What's The Difference?

American elm (Ulmus americana) is a deciduous hermaphroditic tree which can be found in a variety of habitats - swamps, low-laying lands, areas surrounding rivers, hillsides, and highlands. It was a very dominant tree species in North America before Dutch elm disease was introduced during the first half of the 20th century, which caused massive die-offs.

Chinese elm vs. Field elm: What's The Difference?

Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia) is a small, deciduous elm tree native to China, Japan, North Korea, and Vietnam. This tree is considered to have the hardest wood of all elm tree species. Commercially, its wood is used to make baseball bats, bows, and the handles of tools. Ornamentally, the chinese elm is used in landscaping in areas with a good amount of full sunlight.

Winged elm vs. Field elm: What's The Difference?

Winged elm (Ulmus alata) is a tree species native to the southern United States that's also known as the wahoo. This is a slow growing species of plant that is particularly resistant to herbicides.

Wych elm vs. Field elm: What's The Difference?

You don't see wych elm (Ulmus glabra) much anymore because Dutch elm disease wiped out much of its population. The caterpillar form of the white-letter hairstreak butterfly depends on this tree for nutritional sustenance, so it's also in decline. In medieval magical beliefs, elm trees supposedly had the power to give you prophetic dreams.

Slippery elm vs. Field elm: What's The Difference?

Slippery elm is an elm tree native to North America that grows throughout the United States and Canada in both dry and moist soils. The inner bark has a slippery texture that gives the tree its name. Though not often used in carpentry, the wood is fibrous and can be turned into excellent twine or rope. This species is susceptible to damage by the elm leaf beetle.

Identify Field elm easily and quickly

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Key Facts About Field elm

Attributes of Field elm

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

20 m to 30 m

Fruit Color

Green

Stem Color

Brown

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Field elm

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Elm

Genus

Elms

Species

Field elm (Ulmus minor)

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Distribution Map of Field elm

Field elm's native region spans from northwest Africa, across Europe, to Central Asia. It naturally occurs in woodlands alongside main rivers, often found in association with ash and oak trees. The introduction of field elm has only occurred in a few areas, including Bolivia, New York, and South Africa. It is cultivated as an ornamental in its native range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Field elm

A Comprehensive Guide to Field elm How to Grow and Care for Field elm