Cherry Bark Elm
Ulmus villosa
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. 7EFE — Ulmus villosa
Ulmus villosaUlmus villosaUlmus villosaUlmus villosaUlmus villosaUlmus villosaUlmus villosaUlmus villosaUlmus villosaUlmus villosaUlmus villosaUlmus villosaUlmus villosaUlmus villosa
IOverview
Overview
Cherry Bark Elm (Ulmus villosa) is a deciduous tree native to the mountainous regions of Pakistan and West Himalaya, where it thrives in moist conditions and partial sun or shade. This species has been introduced into parts of the eastern United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, and Florida. The tree is known for its edible leaves, which can be consumed raw or cooked. One distinctive feature of the Cherry Bark Elm is its light-colored bark, which often peels off in thin layers, revealing a lighter inner layer underneath. Another notable characteristic is its ability to grow in various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, with a preference for a pH range between 5 and 7.5.
Quick answers
What is Cherry Bark Elm?
Cherry Bark Elm (Ulmus villosa) is a deciduous tree native to the mountainous regions of Pakistan and West Himalaya, where it thrives in moist conditions and partial sun or shade.
What is Cherry Bark Elm used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Cherry Bark Elm
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Elm bark, traditionally used in European and American herbalism for digestive issues, may help soothe the gastrointestinal tract when consumed as a decoction. It is often recommended to support gut health and alleviate discomfort.
The mechanism by which elm bark supports digestion is not fully characterised but it likely involves its mucilaginous compounds that provide soothing effects on the digestive lining.
- Elm bark has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to support immune function, particularly when taken as a tea. It may help maintain overall health and resilience against common ailments.
The mechanism by which elm bark supports the immune system is not fully characterised but it likely involves its polysaccharides that have immunomodulatory properties.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Cherry Bark Elm support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cherry Bark Elm thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows best in hardiness zones 4-8 and can reach a height of 25 meters. The tree is native to Pakistan, West Himalaya, and parts of the eastern United States. Its edible leaves are useful for gardeners. Ensure the soil pH ranges between 5 and 7.5 for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Tree
Mature size
25.0 m tall
Soil pH
5–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Cherry Bark Elm for the first time
8steps
Start with planting a young Cherry Bark Elm tree for a low-maintenance, rewarding project.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Cherry Bark Elm sapling, garden gloves, and a shovel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or fall when the weather is cooler and more stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil drains well; amend with compost if necessary. For containers, use a pot at least 30 cm wide and deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling to your garden or a large container. Dig a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week during dry spells. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young trees to shape them; mature trees may need occasional shaping and deadwood removal.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular watering during dry spells, using the wrong fertilizer, and not providing enough space for growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of the Cherry Bark Elm (Ulmus villosa) are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. Typically, they are prepared in salads for a mild, slightly bitter flavor. They can also be steamed to mellow their taste before use in various dishes.
Other uses:Lumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia2 regions
native (2)GeorgiaPakistan
Broader regions
native:West Himalaya, Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Masachusettes, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 7efeee7d-56f6-4524-874b-cfb8c27c9527
Decision aid
Choosing between Cherry Bark Elm and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.