Cedar Elm | Ulmus crassifolia

Scientific Name

Ulmus crassifolia

Common Name

Cedar Elm, Fall Elm, Basket Elm, Scrub Elm, Lime Elm, Texas Elm, Southern Rock Elm, Olmo

Photo of Ulmus crassifolia.

Photo by M. Ritter, W. Mark and J. Reimer courtesy of SelecTree

Tree Description

Ulmus crassifolia, cedar elm, is a large semi-evergreen tree with luscious green foliage that changes to yellow in the fall. It is drought-tolerant and prefers partly shaded or sunny areas with dry soil. Tree should be monitored for invasiveness as its seeds germinate rapidly.

Tree Size
Large
Height at Maturity
50ft-70ft
Width at Maturity
40ft–50ft
Growth Rate
36 inches/year
Foliage Type
Semi-Evergreen
Deciduous
Sun Exposure
Sun
Part-Shade
Water Needs
Low Water
Potential Issues

Susceptible to Dutch Elm disease. Potential allergen. Seeds germinate readily, monitor for invasiveness.

Average performance rating from pre-trial survey of experts
Good
Field Trial Monitoring Results

Excellent potential utility as an urban tree based on evaluation of 23 trees, healthy crown, 100% survival, very fast growth rate. Herbivory and signs of leaf dieback on a few individuals. Trees have a fast growth rate in the nursery. In the fall trees produce an attractive purple foliage. This species needs to be monitored for potential invasiveness.

Propagation Results

We got near 100% germination with 40 day cold stratification in moist peat in plastic bag in refrigerator as well as with fresh seed greenhouse sown. Field trials will monitor for invasiveness potential. Seedlings are very fast growing.