Is it susceptible to Dutch elm disease?

Yes, it is highly susceptible, which has decimated many mature populations.

How fast does it grow?

It is a moderately fast grower under favorable conditions.

Plant guide

Field elm.

Ulmus minor

Pronounced UL-mus MY-nor

Also known as Common Elm, English cork elm, English elm, European Field Elm, Field Elm, Lock Elm, Plot's Elm

The field elm is a sturdy, deciduous tree that has historically been a staple in European landscapes. It is known for its ability to sprout from suckers and its resilience in various soil conditions. You will find it often forms dense thickets if left to its own devices.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Deciduous tree
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 15 to 30 meters
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 5 to 9
Bloom time: Early spring

Care

Plant this tree in a spot with plenty of room for its roots to spread. Keep an eye out for signs of Dutch elm disease, which is a serious threat to this species. Regular monitoring of the canopy helps catch issues early.

Watering: Water deeply during dry spells to help the tree establish a strong root system.
Feeding: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support seasonal growth.
Pruning: Prune during the dormant winter months to remove dead or crossing branches.
Repotting: Young trees in containers need larger pots every few years as they grow.
Soil: Deep, fertile, well-draining soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: -25 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, can live for over 100 years.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot.

Safety

People: The plant is not considered toxic to humans.
Children: There are no specific safety concerns for children, though climbing large trees should always be supervised.
Contact allergens: The rough texture of the leaves can cause minor skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The windborne pollen is a common seasonal allergen for many people.
Edibility: The seeds are edible but generally considered too small for practical human consumption.

How to identify it

Small, oval, serrated green leaves
Rough and textured leaf surface
Asymmetrical leaf base shape
Deeply fissured, corky grey bark
Produces winged seeds called samaras

Height: 15 to 30m
Spread: 10 to 20m
Leaves: green, yellow, deciduous
Flowers: green, red, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: green, brown, late spring

Problems to watch for

Dutch elm disease · A fungal infection spread by bark beetles that causes wilting and death.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

Check your field elm from a photo

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings, suckers
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: No special winter care is needed as it is fully hardy in its native range.
In containers: Not suitable for long term container growth due to its massive size.

Suckers

1. Locate a healthy sucker away from the parent tree.
2. Carefully dig around the root to expose the connection.
3. Sever the root with a sharp spade.
4. Replant immediately in moist soil.

Plant in areas where its suckering habit can be managed or used to create a natural screen.

Grows well with

English Ivy · They often grow together in woodland settings, though ivy should be managed to prevent it from smothering the tree.

Similar species

Wych Elm · It has larger leaves and is generally more cold tolerant.

Science

Family: Ulmaceae
Genus: Ulmus
Order: Rosales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa.
Conservation: It is not currently listed as endangered, but populations are threatened by Dutch elm disease.

It thrives in riparian zones and woodlands where it can spread through its extensive root system.

Value to wildlife: larval host plant, nesting site
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: shade tree, hedgerow plant, wildlife habitat

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 6/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is it susceptible to Dutch elm disease?: Yes, it is highly susceptible, which has decimated many mature populations.
How fast does it grow?: It is a moderately fast grower under favorable conditions.

Where the name comes from

The name Ulmus is the ancient Latin name for the elm tree, while minor refers to its relatively small leaves compared to other species.

Good to know

It was historically used to make coffins in parts of England.
The wood is very resistant to rot when kept constantly wet.
It has been used for centuries in traditional hedgerow management.

Keep your field elm growing

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.