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all cultivars Elm

Ulmus parvifolia

Compiled by · Reviewed against the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List, CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-07-03

all cultivars Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Not Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 40–50 ft tall and 25–40 ft wide, fast-growing, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. Susceptible to elm scale and other elm pests; reseeds in some Front Range areas. Better elm choices exist.

Site fitNot Recommended
medium water40–50 ft tall and 25–40 ft wideDeer-resistant

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At a glance

Rating
Not Recommended
Botanical name
Ulmus parvifolia
Variety / cultivar
all cultivars
Type
Tree
Mature size
40–50 ft tall and 25–40 ft wide
Mature form
Rounded
Spacing / clearance
~40 ft of clearance
Hardiness zones
USDA 4–9
Growth rate
Fast
Lifespan
Medium
Fall color
Yellow
Water needs
medium water
Sun
Best in full sun.
Colorado native
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Soil
clay, loam, sandy
Soil pH
6.0–8.2
Hail tolerance
moderate
Wind tolerance
moderate
Salt tolerance
moderate
Pollinator value
low

Site factors to consider

Wildlife & ecology

Pollinator value
low
Deer
Generally deer-resistant

Common problems on the Front Range

These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.

Frequently asked questions

Is all cultivars Elm good for the Colorado Front Range?
Yes, all cultivars Elm is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Not Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
Why is all cultivars Elm not recommended on the Front Range?
The main catches here: Main pressure here is Dutch elm disease, so keep it vigorous with steady water and a well-chosen site. The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
How big does all cultivars Elm get?
It matures to about 40–50 ft tall and 25–40 ft wide.
How much room does all cultivars Elm need?
Give all cultivars Elm about 40 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
What shape does all cultivars Elm grow into?
all cultivars Elm typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
Is all cultivars Elm hardy on the Front Range?
all cultivars Elm is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
How much water does all cultivars Elm need?
It needs medium water once established.
How fast does all cultivars Elm grow?
all cultivars Elm is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
How long does all cultivars Elm live?
all cultivars Elm has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
What color does all cultivars Elm turn in fall?
all cultivars Elm turns yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
Is all cultivars Elm native to Colorado?
No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
Is all cultivars Elm deer-resistant?
all cultivars Elm is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
Is all cultivars Elm prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
all cultivars Elm can be affected by dutch elm disease (esp. American elm) and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.

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