Siberian elm
Ulmus pumila
Family: Ulmaceae
What it is like
A medium sized tree. The branches are more upright than Chinese elm. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 20 m tall. The bark is dark grey and rough and corrugated. The leaves are narrowly oval and 6 cm long by 2.5 cm wide. They are nearly equal sided at the base. They taper to a point. They have sharp teeth. They are dark green above. The flowers are very small and red. They are in clusters on shoots. The fruit is a small seed with a green wing around it. It is 1.2 cm long.
It can be invasive.
Where it is found
It is a temperate climate plant. It is native to C. and E. Asia. It grows on sandy or stony soil. It will grow on most soils and under poor conditions. It is hardy and drought resistant. It does not get Dutch Elm disease. In China it grows between 1,000-2,500 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 3-9. In Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Canada, Central Asia, China, Europe, Korea, Mongolia, North America, Russia, Siberia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Tajikistan, Turkestan, USA
How it is used for food
The seeds are collected and boiled with sugar and flour to make elm-seed cake. The leaves, bark and fruit are eaten in times of food shortage. The fruit are made into sauce and wine. The young fruit that attain mature size are cleaned, mixed with flour, steamed and then seasoned with salt, sesame oil, onion and garlic. The young leaves and buds are eaten. The bark is processed into noodles.
Edible parts
Fruit, inner bark, leaves, flowers
How it is grown
It can be grown by seeds or root sprouts. Seeds germinate easily.
It is fast growing in dry regions.
Its other names
Local names
Asiatic elm, Hailasu, Yuqian, Yushu, Yu tree, Zhuga