Siberian Elm
Ulmus pumila • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture; often displays a beautiful, feathered cathedral pattern on flat-sawn surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to medium reddish brown; sapwood is a paler off-white to light brown. Darkens slightly with age and exposure to UV light.
Hardness Rating
820 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; poor resistance to decay and highly susceptible to insect attack if not treated.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, hockey sticks, flooring, boxes/crates, and veneer; often used as a more sustainable alternative to American Elm.
Geographic Origin
Native to Eastern Asia (Siberia, China, Korea) and widely naturalized throughout North America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $3.00 - $6.00 per board foot depending on figure and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
The standing specimen is approximately 15-20 years old based on trunk diameter and crown development.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; considered an invasive species in many parts of North America.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Fast-growing and hardy; known for its resistance to Dutch Elm Disease unlike its North American relatives. The wood has a distinct, somewhat unpleasant odor when wet.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and clear coats very well. Polyurethane or lacquer is recommended to enhance the grain and provide protection for its soft surface.
Identification Confidence
High; identification based on the characteristic small, elliptical serrated leaves, branch structure, and corky bark texture shown in the environment.