Those Mighty Elm Trees
- Linda Crider
- Jan 3
- 4 min read
I can't say for sure, but I'm guessing that you're liable to come across an ELM Street in quite a few large and small American cities and towns. Internet sources seem to agree that there are over 1000 cities in the USA that contain a street named after this venerable tree, not including those "Elm" Avenues, Circles and Cul de sacs. Tree lovers may be interested in taking a deeper dive into the stories behind the numerous (30 - 40) species of the Elm (Ulmus) tree.
After doing a little research, I discovered that experts on one particular species, the American Elm (Ulmus americana) seem to all lament a fungus that emerged during the 1930's called Dutch Elm disease that spread partly by the Elm bark beetle. This proved to be difficult to control or prevent and ultimately deadly for millions (77 million from 1940 - 1970) of these trees that once lined the American city streets that still bear its name. This blight also ravaged Elm trees in other places in the world where they once served as familiar landmarks.
But for the most part, the mighty Elm tree has managed to survive such an ongoing challenge which is a testament to its resilience. I emphasize mighty because these trees have a reputation in folklore and mythology as being "gentle giants" and guardians. Their huge, imposing appearance has established them as symbols of protection. They were and still are familiar signposts and boundary markers in the places where they have managed to endure.
Like the mystical Yew tree in the mythology of the British Isles, Elm trees were also associated with death and the transition to the underworld. "They had a special affinity with elves who guarded the burial mounds, their dead and the associated passage into the Underworld."
Check out the short video above for a contemporary and optimistic explanation.
And like so many other trees, the Elm offers its own physically and emotionally healing medicine. As an herbalist, one species that comes to my mind is Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra), named for the mucilaginous quality of the inner bark. Native American tribes found numerous uses for this bark to heal topical wounds and to soothe digestive and lung issues, and this herb continues to be well known and very popular for the same reasons.
The vibrational essence of Elm is also widely recommended by those familiar with Dr. Edward Bach's 38 remedy healing system that helps to bring about and maintain emotional balance. Practitioners of this system suggest Elm for those who are feeling overwhELMed by too many responsibilities. The remedy of this common English Elm (Ulmus procera) tree helps these individuals prioritize their tasks and restore confidence in the ability to get the job done whether this be organizing a major event or getting though one's daily to do list.
Aside from working with the herbal forms and flower essence of Elm, my personal experience with this tree has been with one particular species that grows prolifically in my part of the USA-- to the point of being considered by horticulturists to be a nuisance. I'm not sure of its botanical name, but saplings of it relentlessly pop
up every spring among my wildflowers. I'm thinking they are likely to be the offspring of the many older relatives bordering the wash that backs up to the yard.
My custom has been to clip the baby Elm sprouts when they first appear, but about 7 years ago I let one grow 12 feet from the back door. I was told by a local nursery that if I just watered it and let it do its thing, it would keep growing.
It did just that and very rapidly.
I decided this tree chose to be there, and with each passing summer I became more appreciative of the much needed shade it provided and the song that filled the air from the different birds who made it their home. Unfortunately, I wasn't thinking too far ahead, and by this past summer our Elm towered at least 10 feet above the roof. I didn't know that this species increases in size about 5 feet every year!
As it continued to thrive, we began to worry that the root system may be doing some underground damage as it was growing so close to the house. After waking up with this concern several nights over a period of a few weeks, I consulted a local arborist who confirmed my fears. Long, sad story short, we had to resort to common sense. With heavy hearts and a hefty expense we had it removed to avoid any possible damage to the foundation.
The mature grandparent Elms growing along the wash behind us are enormous , with powerful roots that I was told could easily upend our small patio home foundation if left unchecked! Walking among them and considering the size potential of my poor tree, I could see the wisdom behind this decision.
I'm still wondering what the lesson was here, but I believe that the essence of my precious Elm still resides in its remaining stump, and I'm grateful to its spirit for prompting me to take that step, and, more importantly, to be at peace with it.
I'll miss the shade and the birdsong this coming spring, but perhaps the way has been made for another plant ally to emerge bringing its own unique, special blessings!
As always, thanks for letting me share my thoughts and journey with you. I welcome your input, so if you want to submit a comment, scroll down to the bottom of this post. If you are interested in booking a personal session, you can do this here:
You can also contact me via email at: my.plant.allies@gmail.com
For now, here's wishing you wellness, wisdom and bloomin' vibes!
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