🌲 Front Range Plant Finder

Elm — all cultivars

Ulmus parvifolia

Elm — all cultivars (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.

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

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 Elm — all cultivars good for the Colorado Front Range?
Yes. Elm — all cultivars is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a tree suited to Colorado's Front Range, rated "Not Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
How big does Elm — all cultivars get?
It matures to about 40–50 ft tall and 25–40 ft wide.
How much room does Elm — all cultivars need?
Give Elm — all cultivars about 40 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
What shape does Elm — all cultivars grow into?
Elm — all cultivars 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 Elm — all cultivars hardy on the Front Range?
Elm — all cultivars is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Elm — all cultivars need?
It needs medium water once established.
How fast does Elm — all cultivars grow?
Elm — all cultivars is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
How long does Elm — all cultivars live?
Elm — all cultivars has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
What color does Elm — all cultivars turn in fall?
Elm — all cultivars turns yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
Is Elm — all cultivars native to Colorado?
No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
Is Elm — all cultivars deer-resistant?
Elm — all cultivars is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
Is Elm — all cultivars prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
Elm — all cultivars 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.

Find Elm — all cultivars near you

See also

Related trees