Ulmus glabra Lutescens (Golden Elm)

Luminous, Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ (Golden Elm) is a medium to large deciduous tree of vase-shaped habit in youth, becoming broadly rounded with age. Its ovate, serrated leaves emerge pale yellow in spring, deepening to greenish-yellow in summer and turning golden-yellow in the fall.

Luminous, Ulmus glabra 'Lutescens' (Golden Elm) is a medium to large deciduous tree of vase-shaped habit in youth, becoming broadly rounded with age. Its ovate, serrated leaves emerge pale yellow in spring, deepening to greenish-yellow in summer and turning golden-yellow in the fall. Inconspicuous reddish-brown flowers appear in spring. A most attractive specimen tree or shade tree. However, Golden Elm is susceptible to the Dutch Elm disease, which causes wilt and death.

  • Grows up to 40-50 ft. tall (12-15 m) and 50-60 ft. wide (15-18 m).
  • A full sun or partial shade lover, this tree is easily grown in any well-drained soils. Drought tolerant.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant.
  • Keep an eye out for aphids, leafhoppers, gall mites and Dutch elm disease.
  • Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer. Chip budding and grafting may also be used.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 6

Heat Zones 2
– 8

Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Ulmus – Elms
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 40'
– 50'
(12m
– 15m)
Spread 50'
– 60'
(15m
– 18m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, 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, Prairie and Meadow