Wych Elm

Common Name

Wych Elm

Latin Name

Ulmus glabra

Status

Native.

Distribution

Widespread.

Habitats

Mixed deciduous woodlands, hedges.

Requirements

Prefers calcareous soils but tolerates a broader range avoiding very acid conditions. Moist well-drained and fertile sites.

Recommendations

Formerly an important component of the county's woodland flora it is not recommended for widespread planting due to the prevalence of Dutch Elm Disease. Planting in small numbers in new woodlands may nevertheless have some value as it will persist as a shrub/small tree in the under storey subject to cyclical dieback.

Origins/Provenance

The existing population is largely wild. Use plants of local provenance or FC seed zones 302 and 204.

Notes

The related English Elm is likely to be an ancient introduction rather than a county native.