Ulmus pumila, commonly known as the Siberian elm or Asian elm, is considered invasive in many parts of the United States. This tree is native to northern and eastern Asia but was introduced to North America in the early 20th century as a landscaping tree and for its potential in windbreaks.
It is highly adaptable and can grow in a variety of environmental conditions, including dry soils and areas of drought, which has led to its spread in many parts of the U.S., especially in the Midwest and Western states. The Siberian elm reproduces prolifically through wind-dispersed seeds, which contributes to its invasive nature.
Its tendency to aggressively colonize disturbed lands, outcompete native plants, and alter habitats has made it a concern in natural areas. It is especially problematic in grassland and desert ecosystems, where it can disrupt native species dynamics and reduce biodiversity.
Siberian elm is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
According to the U.S Forest Service, Invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species and 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened species. Invasive species compete directly with native species for moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and space. They displace and alter native plant communities, degrade wildlife habitat and water quality, and potentially lead to increased soil erosion.
The federal government has estimated that nearly 25 percent of the 20,000 plant species native to North America are at risk of extinction, many of these through habitat loss. You can help reverse this trend by planting great native plants in your garden.
A plant is considered native if it occurs naturally in a particular region or ecosystem without human introduction. There are many benefits to growing native plants. First, these plants are better adapted to soils, moisture, and weather than exotic plants that evolved in other parts of the world. They need fewer fertilizers and pesticides or use less water. Second, they are unlikely to escape and become invasive, destroying natural habitats. Third, they support wildlife, providing shelter and food for native birds and insects, while exotic plants do not.
| Hardiness |
3 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
| Plant Type | Trees |
| Genus | Ulmus |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall |
| Native Plants | United States |
Shutterstock
| Hardiness |
3 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
| Plant Type | Trees |
| Genus | Ulmus |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall |
| Native Plants | United States |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
