Maud Gordon Holmes Arboretum

Scientific name: Ulmus minor

Common name: smoothleaf elm

Native: No

Native range: Widely distributed throughout Europe [1,2].

Distribution in North America: Its distribution in North America has not been mapped, however it is widely used in plantings [2,5].

USDA Zones: 5B-7A [3]

Maximum age: Unclear.

Ecology: Although used widely as an ornamental tree, the smoothleaf elm is susceptible to Dutch elm disease, much like the American elm [5]. It is unclear whether the smoothleaf elm, a non-native from Europe, supports North American fauna. However, in its native range, it provides food for birds and catepillars - including the infamous peppered moth, Biston betularia [6].

Ethnobotany: In Europe where it originates, the smoothleaf elm has a long history of use as an ornamental. The Greeks also used it as a support for grapevines and began the practice coppicing it for fodder and poles, a practice that became widely spread across Europe [2]. It is unclear if Indigenous American groups have used or currently use smoothleaf elm, however its American cousin - Ulmus americana - is used widely and for a number of purposes [4].