Wych Elm

Name: Wych Elm

Scientific name: Ulmus glabra

Category: Trees and bushes

Nature Stars: 40

What are nature stars?

About: Rare as a tree, more often found as a hedgerow shrub

How to identify: Elms can be recognised by their asymmetrical oval leaves, toothed around the edges, with very short stalks and the winged fruit. Wych Elm has longer leaves with a narrow point.

Where: Widespread, commonest in the north and west

Fantastic fact: Once a common tree across the countryside, Elms were killed by Dutch Elm Disease in the mid 20th century.

Photograph credit: Philip Precey