Rock Elm, Cork Elm

It is a species similar to the American or White Elm, but not really vase-shaped in form. The leaves are a little smaller than the Americ...Read Morean's, being 2.5 to 4.5" long x 1.5 to 2.5" wide. (American Elm's leaves get to 6" long x 3" wide). The foliage seems a little darker and of a thicker texture. The twigs and stems are usually rather corky, but there is variation with less corkiness. It is also called Cork Elm. It is native to southern Ontario, NY to southern MN and northern WI down to TN. I've only seen two specimens in the Elm Collection of Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. Dutch Elm Disease and Elm Yellows Disease, both from East Asia, have lessened the populations of this species as with other native elm species. If I have ever seen them in the wild, I have not recognized them, maybe thinking they were American Elms. It is a good looking shade tree.

My experience is that the seeds must be planted immediately while still green and fresh, in the Spring. They seem to be killed by drying...Read More. Extremely slow growing elm. Becoming rare - needs more propagation !

Information only, I do not grow this plant.

This tree has a wonderful straight trunk and is a valuable hardwood. It is fou...Read Morend in moist to dry uplands, rocky ridges and limestone bluffs.

It's range is from S. Ontario and S. Quebec, through New England south to TN and West to KS.

The very hard wood is difficult to split, making it valuable for tool handles. In the 19th century, the wood was exported to England for the construction of wooden battleships and sailing vessels.