Large-Fruited Elm

Scientific name: Ulmus macrocarpa

Overview

Large-Fruited Elm is a deciduous Asian elm named for its conspicuous samaras. It can grow as a shrub or tree, with some branches developing corky wings. Anatomical studies document ring-porous wood, making authenticated specimens valuable for comparing the structure of Asian elms. Its fruit size is a botanical characteristic and does not imply unusually large timber dimensions.

Quick Facts

  • Common Name: Large-Fruited Elm
  • Scientific Name: Ulmus macrocarpa
  • Family: Ulmaceae
  • Native Range: Southeastern Siberia, Mongolia and China to Korea
  • Wood Type: Temperate hardwood
  • Average Dried Weight: Reliable species-specific value not established
  • Janka Hardness: Reliable species-specific value not established
  • Identification Note: Named for its unusually large winged fruits

Identification Characteristics

The large samaras, broad leaves and sometimes corky twigs are useful field characters. In wood, ring porosity supports an elm identification, but a documented source tree or reference specimen is needed to distinguish Ulmus macrocarpa from related species.

Key identification traits include:

  • Broad, often leathery leaves about 4–11 cm long.
  • Gray to blackish-gray bark with longitudinal fissures.
  • Samaras about 1.5–4.7 cm long, with the seed near the center.
  • Some branchlets develop corky wings.
  • Ring-porous wood with large earlywood vessels and smaller latewood pores.

Working Properties

Published species-specific machining and drying data are limited. Evaluate the actual stock rather than assigning the working properties or hardness of another elm to it.

  • Use sharp cutters and trial cuts to check tearout, especially where grain changes direction.
  • Seal fresh end grain and dry carefully; check for cracks and distortion.
  • Acclimate before final sizing, and test glue joints and finishes on offcuts.
  • Verify decay resistance before outdoor use; select sound, documented material.

Safety Note

Use effective dust extraction and suitable respiratory and eye protection when machining or sanding. Wood dust can irritate the skin and respiratory tract; stop work if a reaction develops.

Common Uses

Germplasm records list ornamental and shade or shelter uses for the living tree. Species-specific commercial lumber applications are less well documented; woodworking uses should be treated as trials rather than established performance claims.

  • Ornamental, shade and shelter plantings.
  • Authenticated wood collections and anatomical research.
  • Small indoor craft trials with legally sourced material.
  • Educational comparisons of elm fruits, bark and wood structure.

Sustainability & Notes

Confirm source locality and collection permission before obtaining wood. Shrubby or small trees should not be assumed to provide commercial-sized logs. Use traceable material, retain botanical documentation and check local conservation or transport requirements rather than inferring them from the species’ broad geographic range.

Comparative Notes & Related Species

Related Guides

Compare Wood Properties

See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.

Collector Notes

Retain fruit and twig photographs where possible; the samaras and corky wings can support the identification. Record plant size, locality and sample position. Keep the scientific name with each specimen, and avoid using the density or Janka hardness of another elm as a substitute.

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Wood Sample Collection

This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.

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Resources

Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:

• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/

• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/

• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/

• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/

• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/

Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.

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Availability & Where to Buy

Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.

As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.

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