Elm

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Elm (Latin Ulmus) - a large genus of tall trees belonging to the Elm family (lat. Ulmaceae). For the first time they learned about the elm more than 40 million years ago. In nature, representatives of the genus grow in the Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, etc.), in Central Asia, North America, some European countries and, of course, on the territory of Russia, namely in the South Urals and the Volga region. Typical habitats are deciduous forests, spruce forests, areas with fertile soils. Other names are elm, birch bark.

Characteristics of culture

Elm is represented by deciduous trees, reaching a height of 40 m. Also in the culture there are representatives of the genus, growing in the form of large shrubs with a spreading crown of a spherical shape or in the form of a cylinder. The branches of the culture under consideration are smooth. Young shoots are thin. The bark, in turn, is quite strong, brown, very smooth at a young age, later - rough, equipped with grooves and cracks.

The root system of an elm tree is powerful. The roots are large, branched, penetrate deep into the soil. The foliage is alternate, two-row, whole, sometimes unequal, often toothed, double-toothed or triple-toothed, of different sizes, sits on short petioles, has lanceolate drooping stipules. In the autumn, the foliage takes on a yellow or brown color. The flowers of representatives of the genus Elm are very small, unremarkable, collected in bunches, which, in turn, are formed by the foliage axils. They are characterized by a bell-shaped five-part perianth. Flowering is short, lasts until the leaves appear. Some species are distinguished by their autumn bloom.

The fruit of the culture is represented by flattened winged nuts. The seed does not contain endosperm, outwardly similar to lentils. Fruit ripening is observed in late spring - early summer, which completely depends on climatic conditions, for example, in the Caucasian countries, fruits ripen in May. Fruiting is abundant, annual, up to 30 kg of seeds can be obtained from one tree. By the way, the average life span of one tree is 100-120 years, although in nature there are specimens that have exceeded the 400-year mark.

Growing features

All members of the genus reproduce both vegetatively and by seed. The second involves sowing immediately after collecting the seeds, since after a few days the germination of the seeds is significantly deteriorating. It is recommended to sow seeds at a distance of 20-25 cm from each other; they should not be deeply planted, maximum to a depth of 5-7 mm. The next year, the grown plants are transplanted to a permanent place. The crop should be planted in areas with fertile, loose, alkaline and fresh soils. On saline, dry, waterlogged, waterlogged and infertile soils, elms feel defective, develop slowly, are often affected by pests and diseases, and often die.

In the early years, plants require careful and regular care. Particular attention should be paid to a procedure called watering. Watering is recommended as the earthen coma dries up. Spraying is also encouraged; it is best done in the evening hours closer to sunset. If you exclude watering or do them too rarely, the foliage of the plants will turn yellow and begin to fall off. Top dressing is no less important for the culture in question. They should be done starting in early spring and then monthly. It is necessary to apply both organic fertilizers and complex mineral fertilizers. The latter can be purchased at the garden market or specialty stores.

Application

Elms are used mainly for landscaping personal backyards, as well as large city parks and gardens. They are often planted on city streets and along roadsides. Some types are suitable for cutting, they form unusual shapes. The only drawback of the culture is the frequent damage by pests, therefore, using them in steppe plantations is a dangerous step. Elm bark is used to produce household dyes, and wood is used to make furniture and build supports.