In contrast to other deciduous trees, which draw attention to themselves with a beguiling splendor of flowers, the blossom of the elm is rather subtle. Delicate tufts adorn their branches in spring. Find out more about the flowering time and the different forms of flowering in the various elm species.

The blossom of the elm is rather inconspicuous

Characteristics of the elm blossom

The first flowers of the elm appear in most evergreen species in spring, before the leaves have formed. They are already fully formed in early summer. Its shape is reminiscent of a bell. The deciduous tree forms small clusters, which are made up of several individual flowers. The color of the elm blossom is rather subtle and inconspicuous. It is often purple-brown, although the color can vary from species to species. In addition, the flowers of the elm are very small. They reach a size of about 3-6 mm.
Elms bloom every two years. They only become manly, i.e. sexually mature, from the age of 30-40 years. Elm flowers are hermaphroditic. This means the tree has both male and female flowers. Pollination is done by the wind.
As a rule, these characteristics apply to all elm species. In the following overview, however, you can see some differences that differ in detail. The most striking difference between the elm species native to Europe is the length of the flower stalk:

  • Wych elm: short
  • white elm: long
  • Field elm: no stalk present

Characteristics of the flowers of the elm species native to Europe

The blossom of the field elm

  • 3-7 stamens
  • White scars
  • Often male
  • pollination by the wind
  • stalked
  • Flowering time from March to April

The blossom of the white elm

  • Flowering time from February to April
  • green or purple color
  • The flowers open before they sprout

The blossom of the wych elm

  • Flowering time from March to April
  • sessile
  • appear on leafless short shoots
  • tangle-like, umbel-like shape
  • hermaphrodite

Category:

Trees