There is an opinion that elms appeared about forty million years ago. There are several dozen species of elm. Other well-known names for elm are elm, birch bark and elm. In Russia, elm grows up to 25 meters in height. Elm grows quite quickly, the average growth of an elm is about half a meter, both for a young tree and an old one.
The average lifespan of a tree is about 300 years. But there are also specimens that are an order of magnitude older. Elm grows in Scandinavia and some European countries. In Russia, elm is found in the Southern Urals, Volga region, Western Siberia, and the Caucasus.
The elm trunk can reach one and a half meters in diameter.
Elm is often planted in parks and squares. Since elm has a very dense crown, it traps dust well.
In nature, elm practically does not form pure stands. It is found in deciduous forests. Often grows along the banks of lakes and rivers.
Due to the fact that the elm bark has a heterogeneous structure and grooves, the tree is subject to attacks by pests, insects, and various types of fungus often appear on the elm.
Lumber
Elm tolerates both drought and severe frosts well.
Description
The age of a deciduous tree of the elm family can reach as much as 300 years. When describing the elm tree, it is necessary to note the fact that at first it has a light brown bark, gradually growing, the bark thickens, darkens, and becomes covered with cracks like “scars.” Has a powerful root system.
Some representatives may not grow deep into the earth, but spread to the upper layers, occupying vast spaces. The size of the tree is impressive: normally it reaches 25-30 meters, and a mark of 1.5 meters is set around the circumference of the trunk.
Large leaves of a rich dark green hue are arranged alternately on the stem. They have jagged edges and taper to form a conical shape. The upper surface is smooth, outlined by stripes from the center to the edges.
The lower surface of the leaves, covered with a layer of villi, collects more dust than other trees. Leaves of different sizes, with their dense and frequent arrangement on the cuttings, create a relief, lacy pattern, generally revealing a spreading crown.
The fruits are round, with a nut located closer to the center. Elm begins bearing fruit at the age of 7-8 years, and seed ripening begins at the end of May.
The flowers collected in bunches are small in size and capable of blooming before the leaves appear. They have a purple hue and bloom for about ten days. Flowering usually occurs in March or April.
Description of elm. Kinds
Stately elms decorate the streets of many communities.
The elm family is a genus of impressive trees and shrubs, most of which shed their leaves in the winter. Elm got its name because of the distinctive features of the tree species. In the old days, sleds and rims were knitted from bast wood. Bast was extracted from the subcortical bast shell. The Latin name of the tree is Ulmus. According to one version, it comes from the ancient Celtic word elm. Cork growths have every chance of forming on the shoots of the majority of southern trees. The root system is quite powerful. Single roots go so deep that they often reach the level of groundwater flow, while many occur close to the surface. Elm leaves have a pointed shape with an abundant number of teeth and flying stipules. The flowers are rather unsightly. Smooth elm (ordinary) is a deciduous tree, on which dense clusters of small greenish inflorescences awaken with the advent of warmth. Flower buds are larger in size than leaf buds; they are grayish-brown shoots, wrapped in a thin shiny film, which in the future becomes covered with a network of cracks. In a significant number of cases, the elm does not exceed 35 m in height and 1 m in diameter. The crown of the tree is dense, extensive, cylindrical. The dark emerald color of the leaves disappears with the onset of frost, they become yellow-brown. While the tree is in a period of intensive growth, its bark is quite smooth and thin, but as the tree gets older, the bark becomes much rougher. As soon as the elm gets stronger, the rich grayish-brown tone is shrouded in abundant deep cracks. There are approximately 10 species of elm growing in the Russian Federation. Almost all are long-livers - they can reach an age of about 250-300 years.
Ordinary. Depending on soil fertility, the trunks rise to a height of up to 25 m, the diameter is up to 1.5 m in mature individuals. The bark is black-brown, convex, rough. Leaves are up to 15 cm long, 10 cm wide, elongated. Flowers bloom in April, after 7-12 days small fruits with membranous lionfish are formed. The common elm grows rapidly, withstands pruning excellently, and forms dense shade. It is used for landscaping parks, adjacent areas, alleys.
Squat. Compared to related giants, its maximum height is 15 m. The size of the leaves is no more than 4-7 cm. In spring, the foliage of the squat elm is velvety emerald, leathery, and darkens in summer. The inflorescences are small, yellowish-brown in color. It is undemanding to soil composition and withstands drought well.
Lobed . One of the most popular Far Eastern varieties, due to the unusual appearance of impressive leaves resembling pointed blades, is often called split. It grows mostly in high mountain areas. The trunks reach up to 25 m in height, the crown is cylindrical in shape, very dense.
Rough. This species loves fertile lands and does not tolerate extremely salty ones. The trees are straight-trunked, with smooth dark brown bark. The leaves are quite large - within 17-20 cm, oval, pale green, rough at the top, with a hard fleecy surface on the back. Life expectancy is up to 400 years.
Androsov's elm. An artificially produced cross between the squat and bushy elms. A mature tree can reach 20 meters in height. It has a dense spherical crown. Covered with ash-colored bark. The leaves have a pointed shape. It often grows in moist soils, but can easily tolerate drought. The crown lends itself well to shaping, which is what allowed the elm to be one of the most popular garden trees.
David's Elm . Distributed mainly in the Far East, China, Korea, Japan and Mongolia. It can grow as a bush or tree up to 15 m tall. It has moderately sized, oval-shaped leaves pointed at the ends. David's elm has a subspecies - Japanese, which at times stands out as a separate species. The oldest David's elm grows in Korea, its age is approximately 800 years.
American. Its homeland is North America. It was brought artificially to Europe in the 18th century, but did not gain due popularity. It often grows on the banks of lakes and rivers, but is also found in drier areas. It grows up to 30 m, occasionally reaching a height of 40 m. The crown has a cylindrical shape, the trunk is covered with pale gray scaly bark. The elongated leaves have a pointed shape and are medium in size. Resistant to frost.
Small. This species has a lot of different names - birch bark, elm, red, cork or field. Distributed in Western and Eastern Europe, in Asia Minor. Depending on conditions, it can grow from 10 to 30 m. The crown starts almost from the ground. The lifespan of such a tree can be 400 years. Elm loves well-lit places, tolerates drought excellently, but poorly adapts to low temperatures. A characteristic feature is an extensive network of roots protruding above the surface of the earth. This root network makes it possible to significantly reduce the impact of erosion. For this reason, the small elm is often used to form a protective forest belt.
Large-fruited . This species grows in the Far East, as well as in China, Mongolia and Korea. Grows on high slopes and river banks. It has the form of a shrub or tree up to 11 m high, with a developed spreading crown. Old branches and trunk are covered with pale brown, in rare cases yellowish, bark. The foliage is large, glossy, rough on top and smooth below. The species got its name because of its large fruits, compared to other varieties of elms. Trees of this species are heat-loving and can withstand frost. But, unlike others, they have the highest drought resistance. Large-fruited elm is actively used to strengthen the walls of embankments, quarries, and cliffs.
Geography of growth.
Depending on the species, elms can grow in Western Siberia, in the Caucasus Mountains, in Transbaikalia, in the Far East, in countries such as Korea, China, Mongolia, Japan, in the countries of Asia Minor, Central and Central Asia, in the countries of both Americas, almost everywhere in Eastern, Southern and Western Europe and even the countries of North Africa, in deciduous and coniferous-deciduous forests. Along the river banks in the north, the growing areas wedge into the European dark coniferous taiga, and in the south - into the steppes and forest-steppes. Typical in ravine forests and small forests of steppe shrubs. Southern varieties of elms are small trees of open spaces, pioneers in secondary plant formations. The northern varieties are trees of the first or second size, growing in admixture with the main species, and in coastal forests from time to time they dominate the forest stands.
Properties of elm wood.
Elm trees are core ring-vascular species. Annual circles are clearly visible in absolutely all sections. In their early location, a ring of large vessels is recognizable. On a cross section in late woody species, light wavy solid lines are noticeable, which are directed along the boundary of the annual layer or at a certain angle to it.
Unlike oaks and chestnuts, which have a circular arrangement of vessels, in elms they are located tangentially. Vessels occupy from 25 to 49% of the total volume of the tree species (for oaks 26%, for ash trees 11.5 - 20.5%). The heart-shaped rays are visible only in a circular section in the form of small lines. They do not stand out in color from the wood around them and are identified only by their characteristic shine. In mountain elm, in a circular section, much darker lines with an inherent radiance stand out, giving the wood a special pockmarked appearance.
Elm wood has a texture with large anatomical micro-irregularities (more than 200 microns), which is identical to the texture of oak. Elm growths have a particularly luxurious texture and are highly valued. The moisture content of wood in a freshly cut state is 78%.
Wood is difficult to process with cutting devices, especially when planing, but it polishes and glues perfectly. When grinding, it requires preparatory filling of pores and application of primers.
During drying in chambers, it does not warp or crack; the drying time from natural to 8-10% moisture is the same as for oak. Dried wood is not resistant to rotting in atmospheric conditions. But in land and water it shows itself literally in the same way as larch. For this reason, it is used for the lower rims of well log houses and for piles of hydraulic structures and bridges.
In terms of wear resistance, elm wood is practically not inferior to trees such as beech and ash. A characteristic feature of the tree species is its extraordinary susceptibility to bending.
Use of elm wood.
Elm wood was highly valued back in the period of Ancient Rome. At that time, elm, together with oak and chestnut, made up an impressive part of the entire forest abundance of the Apennine Peninsula, playing an important role in the economy of the Roman people. Porcius Cato in the 1st century BC wrote about elm as an excellent building material, and Pliny the Elder also mentioned the presence of elm nurseries - Ulmari.
Elm wood has always been important in Russian folk crafts. The arcs, shafts, and runners made from it were of the highest quality. Another important feature: elm wood is not afraid of water, being used in mines, in the construction of dams, canals, and sluices. In shipbuilding, it is used not only for the decoration of salons and premises, but also for the manufacture of ship hull components.
Some buildings in Venice stand perfectly on stilts made of elm. Elms are widely used in landscaping due to the fact that almost all varieties have a dense, shady crown. Their foliage creates such a barrier to dust that elm is recognized as one of the best air purifiers. Small-leaved elm leaves accumulate 7 times more soot than poplar foliage. Elm elm with its small, tightly packed leaves also serves as an excellent vacuum cleaner.
Elm, elm, and birch bark wood are approximately similar in properties and are used in the same areas: for the manufacture of furniture, sliced veneer, in wagon production, and in mechanical engineering. Elm and birch bark wood, which has an elegant texture, is used mainly as a finishing material, as well as for artistic works.
Peculiarities of processing elm wood.
When processing elm wood, conventional carpentry equipment is used. Due to its properties of strength and hardness, elm is occasionally cut to give rounded shapes. There is a technology for bending elm, in which it is treated with steam. With further drying, it is restored to its original strength and holds its shape perfectly. Difficulties also arise when polishing elm. Therefore, it is often varnished or covered with decorative compounds.
Elm tolerates chemical attack remarkably well. The wood material adheres well and is friendly with metal parts. Due to its prevalence and unpretentiousness, elm is excellent for novice carpenters and furniture makers.
The range of uses of elm lumber is varied. You can make stools and more complex furniture using turning and carving. Elm sapwood has a pale yellow, uniform texture, thanks to which the product can be coated with various stains and varnishes. In a similar way, you can achieve the effect of a much more expensive type of wood, and in terms of strength, elm is definitely not inferior to it.
Elm is not suitable for veneering, as it is susceptible to disease. Due to the disease of the breed, there is a risk of selective or complete destruction of the wood structure. But there is also an alternative option for making elm veneer. The so-called North American elm or red elm is excellent for veneer production. At the same time, it has a reddish-brown texture, which makes it more exotic. A similar elm grows in both Americas and Canada. The use of solid wood is not economically feasible in our region. And it is beneficial to use veneer, because it will create a beautiful visual effect, but will also perfectly protect cheaper types of wood from mechanical damage.
Growing Elm
For those who love a beautiful view of the vegetation near their home, planting such a tree should not cause any difficulties. The tree adapts well to different conditions and is not capricious.
How to plant an elm tree:
First you need to find ripening seeds. The fact is that the seeds of these particular plants cannot be stored for a long time for sowing; their time is one or two weeks after ripening.
Storage conditions before sowing - dry room with good ventilation (can be scattered on newspaper). Before sowing, it is advisable to use mineral fertilizers.
It is worth sowing elm superficially; a depth of 2 cm is enough.
The seeds are planted in furrows without covering them with soil, watered, also covered with film and awaited germination. Seeds should be located at a distance of 30 centimeters from each other, sown in rows with a distance of 1-2 meters between them.
Daily watering is required to maintain the required amount of moisture; shoots appear after about ten days. Then you can remove the film.
Already in the first year you can get seedlings 20-50 cm high. Seeds are planted in late May - early June.
When choosing a place to plant a tree, you need to take into account that it will grow best when planted alone or at least at a good distance from other tree species to prevent the spread of Dutch disease. The tree loves both sunlight and well-moistened soil.
Common types
Based on some popular types of elms, many varieties and hybrids have been bred. Such plants can be seen in many gardens, squares and city parks. They are often used for street landscaping. We will look at the most popular types of elms that can be most often found.
Smooth or common elm - this tree is distinguished by a beautiful crown with spreading branches. Its bark is dark brown. The dark green, elliptical-shaped foliage is smooth and has jagged edges. With the end of autumn it turns brown. This species tolerates frosty weather, shade and is resistant to drought. For rapid development, it needs fertile soil, which does not allow it to grow normally in urban conditions. Smooth or common elm most often grows in European countries. Also common in the Urals, Caucasus, Crimea and England.
Hornbeam or cork elm , birch bark stands out for its impressively sized crown with dark brown shoots. It should be noted that the birch bark leaves of this type of elm are smooth and slightly dark on top and rough underneath. With the onset of autumn they begin to turn yellow.
This species does not tolerate winter conditions well. but not demanding on the soil. Most often it grows in Western Europe, Russia and the Caucasus, Asia Minor.
Thick elm belongs to a tall variety of elms and is distinguished by a large crown. Oblong and bare leaves are located on the branches of the tree. Its bark is dark in color.
It differs from others in its increased drought resistance. It is practically not found in nature, and is cultivated only in Central Asia.
Small-leaved elm grows most often in East and South Asia, where it is also called caragana (ebony). This tree grows up to 15 meters in height. It is noted that this plant tolerates transplants well and is not picky about the soil - it can grow well in unfavorable soils. However, this elm prefers light areas.
Rough or mountain elm is a variety with a wide and round crown. These trees are record holders for height. There are specimens reaching a height of 35 meters. The bark is brown and the leaves are smooth on top and hairy underneath. With the arrival of autumn they turn orange. This species grows intensively, develops well in urban conditions and is not afraid of frost.
Care and breeding
Reproduction of elms occurs mainly by seeds. The tree can also be propagated by shoots. If the seeds are placed in an airtight container, they will be able to retain their germination properties for 2 years. After the seeds ripen, they are planted after two weeks.
The plant does not require preliminary soil preparation . They must be laid out in the soil at a distance of 20-30 cm from each other, covered with a layer of soil and watered abundantly. During the first month, the seeds are watered regularly and abundantly. In very hot weather, it is advisable to cover the seeds with film until the first shoots appear. As the young tree grows, it will be easy to tolerate excess moisture or drought. Young shoots grow well even in the shade.
Before planting seeds or seedlings, you should consider the growth rate of the plant. After 2-3 years, the tree can shade other plantings. It is known that elms have a negative effect on grapes, so they should not be planted nearby.
Beneficial features
Elm leaves and bark are rich in beneficial substances. They have many beneficial effects:
- anti-inflammatory;
- antibacterial;
- diuretic.
bark during the flowering period in spring. The leaves are collected in summer in dry weather. For collection, material is mainly taken from smooth elm, which goes under the log house. Collected bark from a tree retains its properties for 2 years. Various decoctions and tinctures are made from it for many diseases:
- bladder;
- swelling;
- wound healing;
- digestive system;
- skin diseases;
- diarrhea.
A decoction of the leaves eliminates colic and helps speed up the healing of skin wounds . A mixture of bark and buds from birch and willow has a beneficial effect on the body for dermatitis and burns, if you make a decoction from the composition.
Planting seedlings
You can make your work easier by purchasing ready-made seedlings. Planting and caring for seedlings includes steps such as:
- Planting in open ground. The seedling should be placed in a prepared hole in soil that has been previously moistened and fertilized.
- Constant hydration.
- Loosening the soil around the root system.
- Wrapping up for the winter from the harsh effects of frost.
- Timely pruning (you need to start at 4 years old). It is best to prune the crown from October to April.
Large-fruited elm
Large-fruited elm is widespread in China, Korea, Mongolia and the Russian Far East. The species got its name from its large edible fruits. Elm looks like a shrub or small tree 6-8 meters high. Its dark brown or gray bark can crack deeply. The leaves have a pointed apex and an unequal wedge-shaped base, and the edges are edged with short serrated teeth. Being one of the most unpretentious and drought-resistant plants, elm grows in open places: along rocky crevices, ravines, on rocky slopes, at the foot of hills and on scree along rivers.
The spreading impressive crown, shiny leaves and large fruits make this type of elm decorative, as a result of which it is successfully used in landscape design and urban landscaping.
Tree diseases
How to grow an elm tree so that it serves as part of the decor and clears the air of dust and dirt? Prevent the development of diseases.
The most common disease for this deciduous tree is Dutch disease. This is a fungal disease, the causative agent of which is carried by bark beetles. It is noteworthy that the risk of developing the disease increases in pure elm plantations.
It has acute and chronic forms. When the pathogen's toxins are intensively released, the tree's conductive system is affected. Outwardly, this is manifested by drying and curling of leaves, the appearance of brown spots on cut branches, and thinning of the bark.
As a result, the tree dies within a few weeks in the case of an acute form of the disease or within a few months/years in a chronic form. Looking at the photo of an elm tree in its initially healthy form, it is difficult to believe that in the shortest possible time its crown can dry out completely.
Healing recipes based on elm
Recipes from elm leaves:
- Infusion for external use for skin diseases and internally as a laxative: Grind a tablespoon of elm leaves and pour a glass of boiling water, boil over low heat for a couple of minutes and leave to infuse for an hour, strain before use.
- A decoction used for cancer: For 400 milliliters of water, take 3 tablespoons (tablespoons) of dry crushed raw materials. Boil for 5 minutes, strain. Half a glass of decoction is taken per appointment, consume up to 4 times a day.
- Infusion for cystitis, and for compresses for dermatitis: Take a glass of boiling water for a tablespoon of dry leaves (carefully crushed). The leaves are boiled for three minutes and infused for an hour. The infusion is filtered before use. Take a third of a glass three times a day.
Elm bark recipes:
- Tea for rinsing for inflammation of the mouth: 3 level tablespoons of bark and 250 ml of water, bring to a boil and strain. Use undiluted.
- Infusion for the treatment of psoriasis: A tablespoon of bark is poured into 1.5 cups of water and boiled for about 6 minutes, then infused for an hour, filtered and taken in 40g doses. (not a full stack) three times a day.
- Infusion for cancer: Pour a tablespoon of elm root bark with a glass of boiling water and simmer for 10 minutes over low heat, close the container in which the bark was boiled with a lid, wrap and leave for a couple of hours. Take one shot glass (approximately 50 grams) twice a day.
- Water suspension for diarrhea: Elm bark, crushed into powder, is mixed with water to the consistency of a suspension. Use half a teaspoon twice a day.
Properties and meaning of wood
In ancient times in Rus' it was believed that the tree had many healing and magical properties. Thus, it was considered both a kind of amulet and a symbol of good luck and courage.
By wisely using the diuretic, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties of the bark, leaves and fruits, people treat:
- Gastrointestinal tract disorders.
- Skin diseases.
- Edema.
- Fever and cold.
- Rheumatism.
- Disorders of the urinary system.
Also, with the help of decoctions from the leaves, colic is relieved and wound healing is accelerated, and elm has a positive effect on burns.
However, it is worth remembering that the use of such plants with a pronounced pharmaceutical effect is best carried out after the recommendations of a doctor. Decoctions, tinctures, ointments and mixtures are often made from this tree.
Usually, bast is used to make healing powder - this is a part of the bark measuring from 1 to 4 mm. It is the mucus in its composition that has all the necessary beneficial properties; its components are bactericidal, tannins, as well as vitamins and microelements.
For medicinal purposes, the bark of specially grown, not wild elm is used. Bast powder itself is included in many teas and dietary supplements.
Collection and preparation of elm
Traditional healers and healers use elm bark, seeds, flowers and foliage for medicinal purposes. Flowers are collected in early spring (at other times the tree does not bloom) and, like foliage, dried in the shade, in a draft, under canopies.
Bark for harvesting is taken only from young trees in the spring, when it is easily separated from the trunk. The collected bark must be crushed and slightly dried, then dried to completion in a dryer or oven at a temperature of about 60-70 degrees. For storage, it is better to use linen “breathable” bags, and if there are few raw materials, then paper bags will do just fine.
Use of elm
Elm has good moisture-resistant, hard and elastic wood. It is widely used in furniture, flooring, and shipbuilding. Paint is made from the bark of this tree.
Previously, elm was used to build protective plantings, as well as bridges and dams.
Smooth elm
Smooth elm (or common elm) can be found mainly in deciduous forests in central Russia, Siberia, and also in Kazakhstan. The elm tree easily tolerates shade and harsh winters, but prefers moist and fertile soils. Its height is on average 25 meters, and its wide crown is shaped like a ball. Elms of this species live up to 300 years, and their intensive growth is observed immediately after planting.
The peculiarity of the smooth elm is its thin hanging branches with a smooth and shiny bark. In older trees, this bark cracks and forms peeling plates over time. The elliptical leaves have a smooth surface on one side and are covered with hairs on the other side. With the onset of autumn they take on a rich purple color.
Photo of elm tree
small-leaved elm
Small-leaved (or squat) elm is widely distributed in natural conditions on the islands of Japan, northern Mongolia, eastern Kazakhstan, the Far East and Transbaikalia of Russia. It is also successfully cultivated in North America and Southern Europe. Mature trees of this species are of insignificant height and barely reach 15 meters, and their trunk diameter is no more than a meter. Elms have a dense tent-shaped crown, sometimes growing as a bush. Thin yellowish-green branches are strewn with small, simple, elliptical or broadly lanceolate leaves ranging from 2 to 7 cm in length. In autumn they acquire an olive-yellow color.
Small-leaved elm is very light-loving and unpretentious to the soil; it also tolerates frost and drought well. Thanks to these biological features, it is successfully used in forest shelterbelts and for forest restoration.
Elm lobed
The lobed (or split) elm is biologically close to the rough elm, common in Europe. Under natural conditions, it is found in the Far East, Sakhalin, Japan, Korea and China. It grows mainly in mixed forests of foothills and on mountain slopes, reaching a height of up to 700 meters above sea level. The species owes its name to the original shape of large leaf blades resembling blades. Its trees with a dense cylindrical crown reach an average height of 25 meters.
The lobed elm grows very slowly, by the age of 30 its height is only 8 meters. It is more demanding on soils, compared to its other relatives, and is not resistant to salts. At the same time, it is shade-tolerant, wind-resistant and tolerant of frost, although young elm trees often freeze slightly in winter.
Hornbeam elm
Hornbeam elm is a luxurious deciduous tree with a spreading crown, reaching a height of up to 35 meters and a trunk diameter of more than 150 cm. It is distributed in the Caucasus, Central Asia, North Africa and the European part of Russia. The wide trunk of the tree is covered with smooth bark from below, and in the area where branches appear it becomes rough. Its long branches are spread out like a fan and covered with serrated unequal leaves, very varied in size. The elm tree blooms generously in the spring with small flowers, and towards autumn bears fruit with white nuts.
This type of elm is popularly known as elm. It is characterized by strong salt tolerance and drought resistance, therefore it is widely used in steppe breeding, arid areas, and in shelterbelts.
rough elm
Rough elm (or mountain elm) grows in Eastern and Western Europe, and is found in deciduous forests in the European part of Russia. Straight-trunked trees have smooth dark bark with brown branches and a rounded, lush crown. Large dark green leaves on very short petioles grow in strict order, so the foliage almost does not allow light to pass through. It has a rough surface on top and hairy underneath, externally presenting certain patterns. When autumn arrives, the leaves turn a rich yellow color.
The rough elm is picky about soil and moisture, but gets along well in urban conditions - it is gas-resistant. Under favorable environmental conditions, the elm tree reaches a height of up to 35 meters and lives up to 400 years.
