Japanese elm
Ulmus japonica
Family: Ulmaceae
What it is like
A deciduous tree. It grows 30 m tall. It is a broadly spreading tree. The bark is pale grey-brown and cracked. The leaves are narrowly oval and 10 cm long by 6 cm wide. The base is unequal and the leaf narrows towards the base. It also tapers to the tip. There are double teeth. The leaves are dark green and rough with hairs above. It is paler with softer hairs underneath. The flowers are very small and red. They are in small clusters on the shoots. The fruit is a winged seed. It is 1.5 cm long. They ripen a few weeks after flowering.
Where it is found
It is native to N.E. Asia and Japan. It grows in woods and rocky places and near moors. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, China, Japan, Korea
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit, inner bark, leaves