Elms are prolific samara (fruiting) producers and can be invasive if the growing conditions are right.
Read on to learn how to identify and grow 10 types of elm trees.
Elm tree leaves are typically oval with serrated edges.
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The leaves are arranged alternately on the branches.
Most species produce flowers that develop into fruiting bodies, calledsamaras, each containing one seed.
Unlike the familiar helicopter samaras produced bymaple trees, those from elm trees are circular or oval.
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But many trees succumbed to the disease.
Despite the well-publicized problems with DED, not all elms are susceptible to the disease.
The trailing, twisting branches and dense foliage can create a lovely hidden area underneath.
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Unlike other elms, it has a flatter canopy that can spread wider than its height.
This species prefers moist soil, so keep it well irrigated in times of drought.
It has the smallest elm leaves of any species.
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It has smooth bark and samaras that are elliptical rather than round.
The cherry-bark elm has proven to be less susceptible to Dutch elm disease than other elm trees.
It adapts to many types of soil and prefers moist but well-drained conditions.
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Because the Chinese elm can be successfully grown even if heavily pruned, it’s a common choice forbonsai.
This species reproduces throughsuckersinstead of seeds and was abundant in England before the advent of Dutch elm disease.
The English elm has a good tolerance for salty soils and urban pollution.
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The upper surface of its leaves is roughly hairy.
In its native environment, this elm tree is found in floodplains and along river banks.
Therefore, it grows well in moist planting areas because it can withstand bouts of wetness and flooding.
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Unfortunately, it can be susceptible to Dutch elm disease.
Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila)
The Siberian elm is a small-to-medium-sized deciduous tree.
It grows fast, up to 3 feet per year, with a canopy spread of about 50 feet.
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Ideal conditions for its growth include full sun and well-drained,nutrient-poor soil.
But don’t automatically rule out this elm tree for your landscape.
The species name,rubra,hints that some part of the tree is red.
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In the case of the slippery elm, its inner bark is red and its blooms are reddish-green.
It is known for having rough leaves.
Meanwhile, the name comes from the mucilage (sticky secretion) found in the inner bark.
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Cassens, D.Elm.Purdue University.
Dutch Elm Disease.The Morton Arboretum.
Ulmus crassifolia: Cedar Elm.US Department of Agriculture.
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University of Minnesota Extension.
Baker, J.Smaller European Elm Bark Beetle.
North Carolina State University Extension Publications.
Ulmus rubra.Missouri Botanical Garden.
