Conversations with Elms

Ulmus alata seeds

This is my third season volunteering for the phenology project at The Morton Arboretum. I enter weekly observations on a group of elm trees about March through December, depending on bud break and seed drop. These observations are entered into a database and ultimately funneled into the National Phenology Network. This means I get to talk to elms on a regular basis.

I have 25 trees of about 17 different species and cultivars. As a kid, elms were ubiquitous parkway trees and I still miss the cathedral arches of their soaring branches. But, I’ve gotten to know these trees pretty well by now. Each year they have subtle differences in bud opening, flowering, seed set, and leaf color. Each bark pattern is different. Each species’ leaves have their own character. They are all rather stubborn and determined survivors.

This weekly conversation forces me to stop and pay attention, to really look and study. It is a breath of peace in a hectic week. It is not quiet, though. Robins, blackbirds, hawks, nuthatches, woodpeckers, kinglets, and more like to check in. This year some hawk took out what appeared to be a duck and left a flurry of feathers. I’ve had brief chats with squirrels, as they devour elm seeds, stuffing themselves plump.

Each tree has its own personality. There’s the 1955 planted Ulmus pumila ‘Dropmore’ which I swear drops more twigs, seeds, leaves, and flotsam than average. The huge 1960 Ulmus minor with its rounded ruffly leaves keeps on keepin’ on. The winged elm (Ulmus alata) with its furry seeds hangs out with corky twigs of Russian elm (Ulmus laevis). The lacebark elms with their intricate mosaic bark bloom in the fall, just to mess with us, and hang onto their seeds through winter storms.

I am the tree lady who samples the seeds and young leaves of elms as they are edible and some sweeter than others. So there’s snacks to be had under their zigzag branches (alternate buds, yo!). Now is the time to see how many holes are in the leaves as caterpillars begin to feast. The birds are paying attention, too, as nests are built and eggs are laid. Every once in a while, I am treated to a butterfly or two.

What are some of your garden observations?