Field elm suffered declines due to the devastating effects of Dutch elm disease, but can still be found across much of the UK.
Top facts
Stats
Up to 31m
Conservation status
Common
When to see
January to December
About
Field elms are also known as small-leaved elms or smooth-leaved elms. As with English elms, they have suffered as a result of Dutch elm disease, which has affected all of the UK's elms, killing many mature trees and preventing new trees from growing. Field elms can reach a towering height of 31 metres, but are often found growing as smaller hedgerow shrubs.
What to look for
Elms can be recognised by their asymmetrical, oval leaves that are toothed around the edges and have very short stalks; they also produce winged fruit. Field elm leaves are smooth and glossy green on top.
Where to find
Widespread in the Midlands and south eastern England, but less well recorded elsewhere in Britain.
Did you know?
Elms are a foodplant for a number of insects, including the white-letter hairstreak (a butterfly) and white-spotted pinion (a moth). These species have undergone declines as a result of Dutch elm disease destroying the elms on which they feed.
