Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants

Ulmus procera

English elm

A large, deciduous tree, commonly known as the English elm, which was once a dominant feature of the British countryside growing up to 35 meters tall with a broad, rounded crown. Since the prevalence of Dutch elm disease, it is now only found occasionally found in hedgerows or woodland in England and Wales. The bark is grey-brown, rough and fissured, often with suckers growing from the base of the trunk. The twigs and oval pointed buds are covered in fine, reddish hairs. The leaves are dark green, approximately 4-9 cm in length, sharply double-toothed, hairy and rough to touch on the top surface. The leaves are round to oval with a characteristic asymmetrical base, that taper to a sharp point and turn butter-yellow in autumn. Flowers, rarely if ever produced, are dark pink to red and hang in tassels, appearing between February and March and once pollinated by the wind develop into tiny, winged fruits, known as samaras

Synonyms
Ulmus minor 'Vulgaris'
Ulmus campestris
see moreUlmus campestris misapplied
Ulmus procera Dutch elm resistant
Ulmus minor var. vulgaris
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
more than 50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Ulmaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched, Suckering
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

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer. Chip budding and grafting may also be used

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 1 or see our page on hedge pruning

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, bark beetles, leafhoppers and elm gall mites

Diseases

Maybe susceptible to dutch elm disease

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.