13. English Elm

Tree Tour

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Three English elms, surrounded by a narrow bank of ivy, shade Stevens Way in front of Roberts Hall. Campus has many English elms, and these are not the largest. Procera means lofty. Their lower branches were removed, but numerous suckers annually reappear, often developing distinctive corky flanges, so people often use the name "Cork Elm." The leaves are dark, raspy, and lopsided. Late in fall they fade to an unspectacular gold before dropping. In earliest spring the twigs become wreathed with tiny purplish flowers, followed by pale waferlike winged seeds, produced by the thousands. The seeds are sterile, and decay readily. This elm is reproduced solely by suckers. Northeast of these three old ones is a young Siberian elm.

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