The elm is widespread in Europe. Not only are there numerous stories from mythology surrounding the deciduous tree, the more you know about the properties of the elm, the more interesting it becomes. Have you ever taken a closer look at the elm seeds? Not only are they used to identify trees, with the right knowledge you can even grow your own tree from them. Here you can also find out how you can use elm seeds in other ways.
How do I use elm seeds?
Elm seeds are flat, round nuts with a papery shell and a wing for gliding. They are edible, only germinate for a few days and should be planted on the substrate surface as light germinators. Elm seeds can be collected online, in nurseries or yourself.
The Appearance
Elm seeds are visually very different from other plant seeds and are therefore easy to identify. They are surrounded by a wing, which is a nut fruit. The seed is round and flat and has a papery covering. Depending on the type of elm, it is located either in the middle or slightly outside the pericarp.
Dissemination
Immediately after flowering in spring, elm seeds form. Depending on the wind and weather, they immediately fall to the ground or linger a little longer than the blossom on the tree. Since the fruits of the elm are gliders, the wind is one of the most important factors for reproduction. In addition, the elm also reproduces through water-dwelling animals to which the seeds attach themselves.
Buy elm seeds
Would you like to grow your own elm tree? You can get seeds almost anywhere. The following options are available for purchase:
- Collect elm seeds yourself
- purchasing at the tree nursery
- purchasing on the Internet
Growing an elm tree from seeds
When growing, you must note that elm seeds can only germinate for two to three days. They are also light germinators. This means that when planting, the seeds must lie on the surface of the substrate and must not be pressed too deeply into the soil.
Elm seeds are edible
The seeds of the elm tree are not poisonous. Young seeds in particular are suitable for consumption. Their consistency is pleasantly soft. However, they have a very bland aroma.
