Ulmus glabra

RHS Plant Profile
wych elm

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Other common names

feathered elm, mountain elm, Scotch elm, smooth-leaved elm, witch elm

Synonyms

Ulmus montana

Trees
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Large deciduous tree reaching about 45m tall, developing a dome-shaped crown with spreading branches. Broad, toothed, dark green leaves to 15cm long, rough above, downy beneath, turn yellow in autumn and tiny red flowers in spring are followed by clusters of green winged fruits crowding the branches

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ulmaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus
Ulmus are deciduous trees, often large, with elliptic or ovate leaves often colouring well in autumn; inconspicuous flowers are followed by winged fruits
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. See tree cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed, see trees and shrubs from seed. Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer. Chip budding and grafting may also be used

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, bark beetles, horse chestnut scale and elm gall mites

Diseases

May be susceptible to Dutch elm disease, coral spot, honey fungus and phytophthora