Ulmus glabra - Elm

The Ulmus glabra is better known by its common names, such as Scottish elm, due to its origins, wych elm or smooth-leaved elm. It is a deciduous tree appreciated for its majestic silhouette, fast growth, autumn colors, and high resistance to cold. Becoming rare in cultivation, presumably due to its susceptibility to Dutch elm disease which has decimated the most beautiful specimens, this tree, which was once planted in parks and gardens, still has a remarkable presence.

The wych elm is found in forests and ravines in the mountains of North America, as well as Western and Central Europe. It can be found up to an altitude of 1700m (5577ft), in regions with harsh climates, on limestone soils that are moist but well-drained. This fast-growing tree reaches a height of about 30m (98ft) with a spread of 10m (33ft) at maturity. It has a dense, upright, narrow crown with flexible branches and slightly trailing lower branches. Its bark remains smooth for a long time, gradually developing shallow fissures over time. The foliage is deciduous, consisting of large asymmetrical leaves, measuring 8 to 15cm (3 to 6in) in length, obovate, with doubly toothed edges and a lobed tip. They are very rough and dark green on the upper surface, while the underside is pubescent and a lighter green. In autumn, the foliage turns golden yellow, then brown. Flowering occurs in March, before the leaves appear. It takes the form of small reddish flowers, clustered in small glomerules on 2-year-old branches. These are followed by the formation of clusters of green winged fruits called samaras, measuring 2 to 5cm (1 to 2in) in diameter. The lifespan of this forest tree can reach several centuries.

The Ulmus glabra is best planted as a standalone tree in a large garden. Its noble silhouette will stand out against a backdrop of more modest trees, such as hornbeams or purple beeches, for example.