Ulmus minor suberosa

Ulmus minor var. suberosa is a rare and unique form of the Field Elm, distinguished by its slow growth and reduced development. The bark of this deciduous small tree, gray-brown in colour, is adorned over time with curious corky crests, very decorative in winter. The autumn colours are superb. A treasure of our native flora, it is perfectly adapted to our climates, tolerating a wide range of neutral to alkaline soils, including heavy, limestone, and dry soils. The Suberosa variety is suitable for gardens of all sizes and delights bonsai enthusiasts.

The Ulmus minor (syn. Ulmus campestris), from the elm family, is native to a vast area covering Europe, Asia Minor, and North Africa. Once widespread in our forests and hedgerows, this tree has been decimated by Dutch elm disease. It now only survives in the form of coppices, regularly cut back by the disease, a few rare individuals that seem to escape it, and as pretty horticultural varieties with reduced growth. The Suberosa form, apparently quite variable, is found naturally in central Europe as well as in Eastern France. It is distinguished by its very slow growth and corky bark.

The Suberosa Field Elm shows a generally upright habit and a pyramidal crown. It is a very hardy deciduous shrub or small tree with very slow growth, reaching about 7m (23 ft) in height and 3m (9 ft 10 in) in spread depending on the growing conditions. The bark that covers the trunk and branches, initially smooth, cracks over time and develops more or less spectacular corky growths. The foliage, deciduous, resembles that of hazel and alder. But in the Field Elm, the lamina is asymmetrical at the base, at the petiole level. The leaves, measuring 8 to 10 cm (3.1 to 3.9 in) long, are rounded oval in shape, rough, and finely toothed along the edges. Initially tender green, they become bright green on the upper side, with the underside punctuated by reddish glandular points with small hairs. Before falling, the foliage takes on beautiful yellow, orange, and red colours in autumn. Ulmus minor var. Suberosa produces inconspicuous flowers in March-April, before the leaves appear, with clusters of small red flowers developing on two-year-old branches. The flowers are followed by bi-coloured winged fruits, light red in the center and lime green-yellow at the edges, on the female plants in the presence of male individuals.

The Suberosa Elm will delight enthusiasts of rare and original plants. Not demanding, of modest size and slow growth, it is both decorative and well-suited to the size of our gardens. It can be showcased as a specimen tree or integrated into a large shrub border. Its rustic character blends well with that of small maples (Acer campestre, monspessulanum, griseum), purple hazel, or common hornbeam 'Purpurea'. In autumn, it will blend into the flamboyant colours of deciduous viburnums.