Elm flowers

Elm continues to thrive in Eastern England, mostly as rather immature growth, but with some large trees that appear to be resistant to Dutch elm disease. Like hazel, the flowers appear early in spring and are wind pollinated. I came across the first elm flowers of the season on a walk round Barnack village, close to where I spotted a fine pair of mistle thrushes. Although there are no petals, I think the flower's very attractive, with its furry deep red stigma and paler red anthers. It's appearance is a sure sign that spring's moving on.