This hardy and adaptable tree is so ideal a landscape choice as to be named a “tree of the future” by noted tree authority Michael A. Dirr. It is attractive both for its form and because of its ability to grow in diverse conditions, free of the diseases that ravage many other elms.

Elm is most commonly used in furniture making (particularly so for burr elm), but can also be used for interior joinery and for cladding. Elm is popularly used for turnery and for small decorative items and it was once used for boat building and in coffins due to its durability when wet.

While elm is tough and hard, it also steam bends easily and then holds its shape well, making it great for supportive furniture parts like frames, backs, seats and legs that need to be structurally strong. Elm wood glues well and holds nails and screws without issue. It finishes well and stains without much difficulty.