English Elm
Ulmus campestris

Family: Ulmaceae

What it is like

A tree which loses its leaves during the year. It grows 30 m high. The bark is smooth and brown-grey. It can become cracked later. The leaves are simple and alternate. They taper to long points at the tip. They are uneven at the base. There are teeth along the edge. The flowers appear before the leaves. The flowers have red-purple anthers. The fruit have a broad wing.

Chemical composition (seeds): Protein = 34%. Carbohydrate = 17%. Fat = 28.2%. Ash = 5%.

Where it is found

It grows well in cool, deep, fertile soils.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, China, Europe, Greece, Italy, Mediterranean, North Africa, North America, Norway, Russia, San Marino, Scandinavia, USA

How it is used for food

The leaves are boiled then eaten with oil and salt. The inner bark is removed, powdered, steamed and eaten. The seeds are eaten but cause drowsiness if eaten in large amounts. Plant parts are slimy. The very young fruits just after they are starting to form are added to salads.

Edible parts

Leaves, bark, seeds

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. They can also be grown from suckers.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Ulmus glabra Mill.;