English Elm
Scientific name: Ulmus procera Salisb.
Diagnostic features
Tree to 33m.
Outline obovate to oblong.
Branches strong at all levels from a wide, tall trunk.
Leaves 5-9cm, often ± suborbicular, rough on upperside, asymmetric at base, with 10-12 pairs of lateral veins.
Petiole c.5-8mm.
Chromosome number: (2n=28).
Habitat
Probably native; hedgerows.
Distribution
Central & South Britain, introduced in Scotland, Ireland and Channel Islands.
This species is keyed out at Page 1733 in the Text Key.
Note
Rarely reproducing by seed and rarely forming hybrids.
Hybrids
- Ulmus glabra x Ulmus procera has been recorded from several areas, most reliably Essex and Lincs, but is certainly rare and perhaps extremely so.
- Ulmus procera x Ulmus minor is occasionally found as isolated individuals within the range of various variants of Ulmus minor. The influence of Ulmus procera can be seen in the very broad leaves with a somewhat rough upperside.
- Ulmus procera x Ulmus plotii is rarely and perhaps doubtfully recorded from within the range of Ulmus plotii, and very sporadically elsewhere (e.g. North Wales) presumably planted. |
