Our only native elm is the deciduous Ulmus glabra, otherwise known as the Wych elm. This common name, Wych, is quite often mistakenly associated with a mean old hag who practises the black arts. The name 'Wych' actually means pliant, and for proof of this we just have to look at the past uses of the wood.

Take for example, when we were ‘visited' by the Vikings, their best and possibly most accurate bows were made from elm wood, as were the ladders they used for access to the natives' higher hiding points.

Aside from invasion material, in the past all parts of elm wood were put to good use in the manufacture of furniture, particularly chairs. When manufacturing these seats, even the tree's inner bark was used for the chair's caning. As well as being pliable, elm wood also possesses great resistance to water. Taking advantage of this water-holding ability, sections of the tree were often hollowed out for the manufacture of primitive, but effective water pipes.

This strength in the face of dampness also caused elm wood to be used in the creation of coffins. Connections with coffins and death run very deep with Wych elm, the Celts believing the tree was a protector of burial areas, aiding the dead soul's passage to the underworld.

Now I know many of you reading this may have never even seen an elm tree. Well, there are very good reasons for this. Although once very common throughout the spreading woodlands and hedgerows of this isle, the Wych elm population was reduced by man, who required the trees' preferred fertile soils for his crops and animals.

But it was not just man that reduced elm numbers in Ireland. The other culprit was the fungus Ceratocystis ulmi, aka Dutch elm disease.

This fatal disease, which is still with us, was first seen in this country around 1958. It was thought to have been spread by a burrowing bark beetle entering on a shipment of logs from America. Although our native elm is one of the least affected elms by the disease, we can be quite sure the illness took away its fair share of our trees. So, with both man and fungus leaving Ireland with very few mature elms, you may have to search to find good examples of this native tree. If you are interested, our nearest large elm of note is located at the Franciscan Priory, Ards, Cresslough Co. Donegal. This fine specimen stood 21 metres tall at last measuring.

If you would like to go on a search for the lost elm of Ireland, look out for the following:

Our elms have soft stubble across their green leaves, combined with 12 to 18 pairs of veins terminating in a serrated leaf edge. Flowering takes place from February to March, with drooping clusters of purple and green flowers appearing before the ribbed leaves. The following seeds, which ripen from May to June, resemble papery discs with a central embedded seed. Both the flowering and fruiting seasons of the tree are the best times to spot it. I wish you luck with your elm hunting.

Until next week, happy gardening and remember that a weed is just a plant in the wrong place.

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