Field Elm
Ulmus minor
The Field Elm is a characteristic deciduous tree of hardwood riparian forests, growing up to 30 meters tall. It is distinguished by its asymmetrical leaf base, doubly serrated leaf margins, and frequently occurring corky ridges on its twigs. The species has been severely decimated by Dutch Elm Disease, a fungal infection transmitted by bark beetles. Nevertheless, it plays a vital ecological role in floodplains and as a host plant for various insects.
Details
Oxygen production
Produces significant amounts of oxygen during the growing season.
Habitat function
Nesting site for birds, habitat for specialized saproxylic insects.
Nutrient uptake
Absorbs nutrients from groundwater and floodplain sediments.
Food source for
Caterpillars of the White-letter Hairstreak, Elm woolly aphid, seed-eating birds.
Human use
Formerly valued for hard, tough wood (wheelwrighting); today hardly usable in forestry.
Ecology
Ecological role
Structural element in riparian forests, host for the White-letter Hairstreak, erosion protection on banks.
Competitor species
European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur).
Ecosystem service
Carbon sequestration, flood protection through bank stabilization, biodiversity maintenance.
Threats
Dutch Elm Disease (fungus Ophiostoma novo-ulmi), loss of hardwood riparian forests.
Scientific profile
Profile
Protection & threats
Status not on standard scale
Main threats
Dutch Elm Disease (fungal infection), loss of riparian habitats due to river regulation and dike construction.