The Elm Tree

944 Words4 Pages
Our Own Environmental Superhero: The Elm Tree Martin Luther once proclaimed, “For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver.” Who would ever prefer a stagnant piece of foliage over being showered with beautiful gold and silver? Trees, especially elms, give the Earth character and are a necessity for human survival. Did you know that North American settlers named the elm tree “the lady of the forest?” This fine lady is known for her strong timber cut for countless projects and even medical remedies (“Elm Trees”). The elm is also known for its ability to withstand harsh urban pollution, which makes the tree an environmental superhero. Even author and poet Shel Silverstein would argue that this particular “giving tree” is worth much more than gold or silver. From the strong, supple trunk to even the smallest of leaves, the elm tree is one-of-a-kind through its attractiveness, function, and where it is from. If a tree were to stare you right in the face, would you be able to recognize what type of tree it was? The elm, uniquely designed, is a popular tree distributed in millions throughout North America. Starting with the trunk, the elm’s base with an average of a ten-foot girth can hold the strong elm up 70 to 115 feet in height. The bark features a unique blue-gray color that turns to a pepper gray as it ages almost as if it were an old man. The surface of the bark is also eye-catching with its thick, scattered ridges. The bark is decay-resistant when wet, meaning that it is unable to rot, savoring the elm’s beauty. Moving from the trunk to the robust branches, hardy arms hold up to thousands of waxy-coated green leaves. The leaves of the elm tree are oval and perfectly symmetrical. The small appendages have ragged edges, almost looking like the side of aluminum foil box. The
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