Ulmus Minor Subsp. Angustifolia - Cultivation and Uses

Cultivation and Uses

The origin of the Cornish Elm in the UK remains a matter of contention; commonly assumed to have been purposely introduced from Brittany by humans, it is also considered possible that the species may have survived the Ice Ages on lands to the south of Cornwall long since lost to the sea. Its current distribution owes much to man's activities, as it is the tree traditionally considered the best choice for providing shelter along the Cornish coast. Moreover, its timber was much prized for its strength, and commonly used in wheel and wagon construction.

Few wild mature specimens are known to have survived the Dutch elm disease pandemic in England, but suckers remain a common component of hedgerows, and thus the genetic resources of this subspecies are not considered endangered. A prime example is the Great Elm of Rosuic, an ancient pollard elm which attained a d.b.h. of over 2.5 metres (8.2 ft) before succumbing to disease, but is now producing suckers. Again, like others of the species, propagation is almost entirely by suckers, which the tree produces copiously.