David Elm

Scientific name: Ulmus davidiana

Overview

David Elm is an Asian deciduous elm with a taxonomic history that includes several closely related names. Kew recognizes Ulmus davidiana and two varieties, including Japanese Elm. This species-level profile should therefore be read alongside variety-level records when comparing wood specimens. Its ring-porous structure is documented in anatomical research, but a botanical label remains essential for species identification.

Quick Facts

  • Common Name: David Elm
  • Scientific Name: Ulmus davidiana
  • Family: Ulmaceae
  • Native Range: Eastern Asia; the species includes the widespread Japanese Elm variety
  • Wood Type: Temperate hardwood
  • Average Dried Weight: Reliable species-specific value not established
  • Janka Hardness: Reliable species-specific value not established
  • Identification Note: Record the variety where known; Japanese Elm is U. davidiana var. japonica

Identification Characteristics

Look for the combination of foliage, fruit and bark rather than relying on lumber color. Pale bark and hairs over the seed distinguish the typical variety in the Flora of China treatment; Japanese Elm has different fruit and bark characters.

Key identification traits include:

  • Obovate leaves with unequal bases and doubly toothed margins.
  • Typical var. davidiana has gray bark and samaras hairy over the seed.
  • Ring-porous wood with large earlywood pores and smaller latewood vessels.
  • End-grain features support elm identification but overlap with other Ulmus taxa.

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

Verified wood specimens are useful for comparing Asian elm anatomy. Specific commercial use and performance records under the name Ulmus davidiana are limited; proposed woodworking uses should be tested on authenticated material.

  • Reference wood collections and anatomical studies.
  • Small indoor craft or joinery trials with legally sourced, sound stock.
  • Educational displays explaining the David Elm complex.

Sustainability & Notes

Confirm the source tree and variety, local collection permission and legal origin. Named ornamental cultivars and hybrids should retain their cultivar or hybrid identification. Prefer traceable salvage or documented cultivated material over unidentified wild specimens.

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

Record both species and variety if available. Keep locality, source-tree photographs and collection date with the sample. Preserve transverse, radial and tangential views, and note growth-ring width and moisture condition before comparing specimens.

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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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