Ulmus glabra Mountain elm, Wych elm, Scotch elm

Ulmaceae

Ulmus glabra Mountain elm, Wych elm, Scotch elm

Stately tree with a dense crown, the lowest branches somewhat pendulous. Height up to 40 m, breadth to approx. 20 m. The bark remains smooth for a long time but later develops shallow grooves. Young twigs are greyish-brown with whitish hairs, later grey. The large leaves are asymmetrical, very rough and dark green. On the underside they are light green and hairy. In the autumn they turn yellow. The asymmetrical foot of the leaf covers one side of the short stalk, a characteristic of elm leaves. The brownish-violet flowers appear before the emergence of the leaves. The fruits, winged nutlets, are spread by the wind. U. glabra is not often used. Because it produces few root suckers it is often used as rootstock. Sometimes this leads to an impossible union causing the tree to snap at the point of the graft. Sensitive to Dutch elm disease.
Our trees can only be planted when they don't have any leaves. Due to the this we will start delivering again from November 2025.
Availability
Specifications
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Height
25 - 35 (40) m, fast growing
Width
15-20m
Crown
broad ovoid, dark, dense crown
Bark and branches
bark dark grey, remains smooth for a long time, twigs greyish-brown
Leaf
broad ovoid to oval, dark green, with very rough hairs, 8 - 16 cm
Autumn colour
yellow
Flowers
short-stalked dense bundles, brownish-violet, March, before the leaves emerge
Fruits
winged with nutlet in the centre, obovate, light red seed
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
moist and light, favours calcareous soils
Soil moisture
suitable for wet soil, withstand short flood, withstand long flood
Paving
tolerates no paving
Winter hardiness zone
5a (-28,8 to -26,1 °C)
Wind resistance
good, also as regards sea wind
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6), can withstand wind
Fauna tree
valuable for butterflies
Application
avenues and broad streets, coastal areas
Shape
clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Origin
Europe, Western Asia, Caucasus
Clear stem tree Multi-stem tree calcareous soil clay soil loamy soil sandy soil tolerates no paving resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) suitable for shadow suitable for wet soil withstand long flood withstand short flood can withstand wind broad ovoid 1st size , taller than 12 metres dense crown green yellowgreen March fast growing Conspicuous bloom Attractive autumn colour valuable for butterflies non-toxic (usually)
Frequently asked questions
Ulmus glabra

Ulmus glabra can eventually reach a height of 25 - 35 (40) m, fast growing, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Ulmus glabra is fast growing and can eventually reach a height of 25 - 35 (40) m, fast growing, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The leaves of Ulmus glabra turn yellow in autumn.

The right time to plant Ulmus glabra is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Ulmus glabra with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Ulmus glabra blooms in march.
General

Yes, we deliver to the UK. Delivery costs depend on the region and the total order value. Below, you’ll find all the details.

Delivery charges for private customers are calculated based on your region and are visible during the checkout process. We also offer discounts based on the total value of your order:

  • Orders over £1,000: Receive a 50% discount on delivery costs.
  • Orders over £2,000: Delivery is completely free.

Yes, for trees with a size of 50-60 cm girth or larger, additional delivery charges apply due to the need for specialised transport. These costs will be calculated separately and shared with you after your order is placed. We will contact you to discuss the transport options and costs.

Once you add items to your basket and proceed to the checkout, the system will calculate the delivery charges for your region. If your order qualifies for any discounts, they will automatically be applied.

For any questions or specific delivery requests, feel free to contact our customer service team. We’re happy to help arrange the best delivery solution for your order.