To identify a tree, you can use several characteristics. The leaves are usually a helpful way of distinguishing the crop from other plants. This is particularly recommended for the elm, since the deciduous tree wears a rather strikingly shaped leaf dress. But are you sure about the properties of an elm leaf? The following article shows you important details for identification.

Elm leaves turn bright colors in autumn

Appearance of the leaves of the elm

  • alternating arrangement
  • the leaf margin is double-seamed
  • Elm leaves are ovate to round in shape
  • they are feathery

Other features

  • Elm leaves show a certain similarity to those of hazel, which is why there is an acute risk of confusion
  • Elm leaves fall from the tree relatively early

Characteristics of the leaves of different elm species at a glance

  • the thorn elm: ovoid, symmetrical leaf base, alternate, partly strongly toothed leaf margin
  • the American elm: elongate, ovoid shape, up to 20 cm long, double serrated leaf margin, asymmetrical, alternate
  • the Dutch elm: asymmetrical leaf base, short stalks, doubly serrate, slender, ovoid shape, tapering to a point
  • the mountain elm: asymmetrical leaf base, doubly serrated, ovate, short-stalked
  • the flatter elm: corresponds to the characteristics of the mountain elm except for a long petiole

Among other things, it is interesting that you can distinguish between the elm species native to Europe (European elm, European European and field elm) by the length of their leaf stalks.

  • wych elm: short-stalked
  • white elm: long-stalked
  • field elm: sessile

Are elm leaves poisonous?

Did you know that you can eat the young leaves of the elm? Why not try them as an ingredient instead of the conventional varieties in a salad.

Dutch elm disease leads to the loss of leaves

Are your elm leaves turning brown and becoming dry and wilted? Then there is a chance that your deciduous tree is suffering from Dutch elm disease, which is now widespread. You will first recognize the symptoms mentioned on the leaves. Later, the fungus responsible for the disease spreads to the branches, eventually dying the entire tree. The wych elm in particular is at risk of contracting the pest. Unfortunately, no means have yet been discovered that counteract the Dutch elm disease. To prevent this, it is advisable to regularly check the foliage of your elm for signs of the fungus.

Category:

Trees