'Emerald Sunshine' Elm
Ulmus propinqua
'Emerald Sunshine' Elm (Ulmus propinqua) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Not Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 35 to 45 ft tall and 25 to 35 ft wide, fast-growing, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. Limited Front Range track record, performance varies; better to choose proven elm alternatives like 'Princeton' (U. americana) or accolade hybrids.
medium water35 to 45 ft tall and 25 to 35 ft wide
Photos
- Photo 1: Ptelea, no known copyright restrictions (public domain)
- Photo 2: (c) Urgamal Magsar, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 3: (c) Stavast22, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4 to 9
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 35 to 45 ft tall and 25 to 35 ft wide
- Mature form
- Vase-shaped
- Spacing / clearance
- ~35 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Fall color
- Yellow
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Not rated
- Colorado native
- No
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
Common problems on the Front Range
- Dutch elm disease (esp. American elm)
- Elm leaf beetle and European elm scale
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 'Emerald Sunshine' Elm good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, 'Emerald Sunshine' Elm is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Not Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does 'Emerald Sunshine' Elm get?
- It matures to about 35 to 45 ft tall and 25 to 35 ft wide.
- How much room does 'Emerald Sunshine' Elm need?
- Give 'Emerald Sunshine' Elm about 35 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does 'Emerald Sunshine' Elm grow into?
- 'Emerald Sunshine' Elm typically grows into a vase shape, a narrower base flaring to a high, arching crown that lifts over a patio or street. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is 'Emerald Sunshine' Elm hardy on the Front Range?
- 'Emerald Sunshine' Elm is hardy in USDA 4 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does 'Emerald Sunshine' Elm need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does 'Emerald Sunshine' Elm grow?
- 'Emerald Sunshine' Elm is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does 'Emerald Sunshine' Elm live?
- 'Emerald Sunshine' Elm has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does 'Emerald Sunshine' Elm turn in fall?
- 'Emerald Sunshine' Elm turns yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is 'Emerald Sunshine' Elm native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is 'Emerald Sunshine' Elm prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- 'Emerald Sunshine' 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.
