Wych Elm Tree (Ulmus Glabra)

The Wych Elm tree (Ulmus Glabra), also known as the Scots elm, is a native broadleaf tree and one of Britain's most distinctive elm trees. Naturally found in upland and hilly woodlands, rocky slopes, and alongside streams, Wych Elm trees are hardier than other native elm species and most commonly found across the north and west of the UK. Large, toothed leaves with an asymmetric base follow clusters of red-purple flowers in early spring. A medium-growing tree reaching up to 30m in height, Wych Elm trees prefer neutral, moist soils and perform well in heavy and medium ground, developing a broad, spreading canopy and distinctive grey-brown fissured bark as they mature.

With strong, durable timber naturally resistant to water, Wych Elm trees have long been valued for furniture, boat building, and decorative woodwork.

For wildlife planting, Wych Elm trees provide food and habitat for a range of insects and woodland birds, making them a valuable choice for native woodland creation and mixed broadleaf planting schemes.