elm

Origin	North America, Europe, Asia
bulk density	440-800kg/m³
durability class	4
radial shrinkage	0,17 - 0,2%
Tangential shrinkage	0,27 - 0,29%
wood color	light brown, through grey-brown to red-brown and darkening under the influence of light
wood structure	Early wood: coarse and ring-pored; Latewood: pores fine and united to mostly wavy bands
Usage	Veneers, furniture, stairs, parquet, household items

The genus Ulmus comprises 41 species, predominantly in the northern hemisphere, mainly in East Asia (27 species), North America (9 species) and Europe (5 species). The structure and technical properties of the woods are similar, but make it difficult to distinguish the species precisely. The wood colour varies from species to species. In German, elm wood is called 'Rüster', in English 'elm', in French 'orme' and in Chinese 'yu shu'. Due to diseases, in particular Dutch elm disease transmitted by elm bark beetles, European elm wood has been available in limited quantities since the 1920s. The elm wood marketed in Europe today comes mainly from China. European and American elm species are only of limited relevance as wood suppliers. In Central Europe, European white elm, field elm and wych elm are represented.

Elm wood, also known as "elm", is characterized by a striking structure and decorative grain. The light sapwood is set off from the heartwood, the color of which varies from light brown to dark reddish brown depending on the species. The wood is ring-porous and has coarse early wood pore rings as well as fine, wavy late wood pores in bands. With a mostly wide sapwood and variable heartwood color, elm wood is decorative. When processed, the moderately heavy wood is tough, easily bendable and can be easily processed with standard tools. It is suitable for furniture, stairs, parquet, wood turning, toys and more. Its natural durability is moderate against fungi and insects, but very high under water. Elm wood is valued in interior design, especially as veneer.

In ancient times, especially in ancient Greece, the elm tree had symbolic meaning as a sign of death and mourning. In the Iliad, elm trees were planted by mountain nymphs around the tomb of Eëtion. In Norse mythology, the elm tree, called Embla, represented the tree from which the first humans were formed.

Sources: Wikipedia, Wood from the specialist (GD Wood)