Elm Seeds

[spritzer]

Hi, We have elm trees in the lane at the bottom of our garden. Every year at this time the little seed cases shower down. Can anyone explain why this year there seems to be so many more than usual?

[jake-the-peg]

At a guess, they appreciate the abundant watering they've been receiving this year!

[heathfield]

I've seen this too.This year I've noticed more flowers on gorse, hawthorn, etc than ever before. I think it's due to the cool spring we've had, setting everything back by about a month. During this time, maybe the plants have had longer than usual to prepare new growth, resulting in a greater abundance than normal. Just a guess, mind you.

[gessoo]

The hedgerows and trees look amazing this year and everything in the garden is twice as good this year too. Isn't nature wonderful.

[Thunderbird+]

Its what is known as a 'mast year' this often happens every 5 - 7 years to certain trees, its all part of the trees survival stratergy, in times past people would cash in on this by allowing their pigs into the woods to feast on bumper crops of acorns, beach nuts, crab apples etc. The seeds of the wych elm are actually edible when fresh and green and are quite good to eat.

[spritzer]

Thank you everyone for your answers, I was hoping that no one would say it was because the trees were dying and that it was a way of ensuring new growth.