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Ulmus pumila (Siberian Elm)

Siberian Elm, Dwarf Elm

Ulmus pumila, American Elm, Siberian Elm, Dwarf Elm, Tree with fall color, Fall color, Attractive bark Tree
Ulmus pumila, American Elm, Siberian Elm, Dwarf Elm, Tree with fall color, Fall color, Attractive bark Tree

Fast-growing, Ulmus pumila (Siberian Elm) is a large, broadly upright, deciduous tree with oval, serrated, dark green leaves, up to 2-3 in. long (5-7 cm), that turn butter-yellow in the fall. Inconspicuous tiny red flowers appear in early spring before the leaves emerge. They give way to papery, winged seeds that disperse their seedlings over a wide area and can form large colonies. Tough, tolerant of cold, heat, aridity or poor soil, somewhat resistant to the Dutch elm disease, Siberian Elm is, however weak-wooded, its branches being brittle and easily damaged by strong winds, ice or snow. It is also susceptible to insect attack, especially leaf beetles. This is a poor ornamental tree which could be used in holding soil for erosion control.

  • Grows up to 50-70 ft. tall (15-21 m) and 40-70 ft. wide (12-21 m).
  • A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in rich, moist, well-drained loams. Adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions including wet and dry sites. Drought tolerant.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant.
  • Keep an eye out for aphids, leaf hoppers, gall mites, elm leaf beetle. This Elm species is partially resistant to Dutch elm disease, a fatal disease. 
  • No routine pruning necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots.
  • This plant is listed as a noxious weed in several US states and should not be moved or grown under conditions that would involve danger of dissemination.
  • Native to eastern Siberia, northern China, Turkestan.
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Ulmaceae
Genus Ulmus
Common names Siberian Elm, Elm
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 50' - 70' (15.2m - 21.3m)
Spread 40' - 70' (12.2m - 21.3m)
Maintenance High
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Drought
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Ulmus alata (Winged Elm)
Ulmus americana (American Elm)
Ulmus parvifolia ‘Seiju’ (Chinese Elm)
Ulmus parvifolia ‘Frosty’ (Chinese Elm)
Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ (Golden Elm)
Ulmus glabra ‘Camperdownii’ (Scotch Elm)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Roots of Life: Exploring the Diverse World of Trees
Spectacular Trees for Vibrant Fall Colors: A Gardener’s Guide
Native Plant Alternatives to Ulmus pumila (Siberian Elm)
Native Plant Alternatives to Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Ulmaceae
Genus Ulmus
Common names Siberian Elm, Elm
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 50' - 70' (15.2m - 21.3m)
Spread 40' - 70' (12.2m - 21.3m)
Maintenance High
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Drought
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Ulmus (Elm)
Not sure which Ulmus (Elm) to pick?
Compare Now

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