Ulmus pumila (Siberian Elm)

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.