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Description
Ulmus Minor Subsp. Minor, commonly known as the Dwarf Elm, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Ulmaceae family. This tree is native to Europe and western Asia and can grow up to a height of 15 meters. The tree has a broad crown with a dense foliage of dark green leaves that are elliptical and serrated. The leaves of the tree turn yellow during the autumn season. The tree produces small flowers that bloom in early spring before the leaves appear. The flowers are followed by small, winged fruits that are dispersed by wind.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Ulmaceae |
| Genus | Ulmus |
Appearance
The Dwarf Elm has a broad, rounded crown with a dense foliage of elliptical and serrated dark green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. The tree can grow up to a height of 15 meters and has a trunk that can reach up to 50 cm in diameter. The bark of the tree is dark grey and smooth when young but becomes fissured and corky as the tree ages. The tree produces small flowers that are yellow-green in color and bloom in early spring before the leaves appear. The flowers are followed by small, winged fruits that are dispersed by wind.
Care Guide
Water
The Dwarf Elm tree requires regular watering during the growing season to keep the soil moist. However, it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilizing the tree once a year during the growing season can help promote healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Soil
The Dwarf Elm tree prefers well-drained, loamy soil that is rich in nutrients. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic.
Sunlight
The Dwarf Elm tree requires full sunlight to grow and thrive. However, it can tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones
The Dwarf Elm tree is hardy to USDA zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Dwarf Elm tree is susceptible to Dutch Elm Disease, which is caused by a fungus that is spread by elm bark beetles. The disease causes wilting of the leaves, yellowing, and browning of the foliage, and can ultimately lead to the death of the tree. Other pests that can affect the tree include aphids, scale insects, and spider mites.
Habitat
The Dwarf Elm tree is native to Europe and western Asia and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, hedgerows, and parklands. The tree prefers moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate both full sunlight and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Dwarf Elm tree resistant to Dutch Elm Disease?
A: No, the tree is susceptible to Dutch Elm Disease.
Q: Does the Dwarf Elm tree require full sunlight to grow?
A: Yes, the tree requires full sunlight to grow and thrive.
Q: What type of soil does the Dwarf Elm tree prefer?
A: The tree prefers well-drained, loamy soil that is rich in nutrients.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Dwarf Elm tree?
A: The tree is hardy to USDA zones 5 to 9.
Related Plants
- Ulmus Americana
- Ulmus Glabra
- Ulmus Parvifolia
- Ulmus Procera
References
- “Ulmus minor subsp. minor.” Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Accessed June 23, 2021. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77135745-1.
- “Ulmus minor subsp. minor.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed June 23, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281992.
- “Dwarf Elm (Ulmus minor).” Woodland Trust. Accessed June 23, 2021. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/dwarf-elm/.
