HEIGHT up to 130 ft (40 m)
TYPE Deciduous
OCCURRENCE N. and C. Europe, W. Asia
The wych elm has a broad crown and short trunk. Its wood is very durable in wet conditions and was popular for troughs, cribs, and coffins. It is still used for the construction of breakwaters for coastal defenses and harbors. BARK Gray, smooth. LEAF Alternate, elliptic to oblong-obovate, coarse and uneven at bases, double-toothed margins, dark green and roughly hairy above, usually downy beneath. FLOWER Tiny, with reddish anthers, petalless, in dense, axillary clusters. FRUIT Smooth nutlet surrounded by a membranous wing.
