Elm
Ulmus davidiana var. japonica
Elm (Ulmus davidiana var. japonica) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 25–30 ft tall and 25–30 ft wide, fast-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Hardy; dwarf; purple fall color.
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At a glance
- Rating
- Right spot only (FRTRL: Conditionally Recommended)
- Botanical name
- Ulmus davidiana var. japonica
- Variety / cultivar
- NORTHERN EMPRESS®
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 25–30 ft tall and 25–30 ft wide
- Mature form
- Vase-shaped
- Spacing / clearance
- ~30 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Fall color
- Yellow
- Water needs
- low to 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
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
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.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Elm good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Elm is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Elm get?
- It matures to about 25–30 ft tall and 25–30 ft wide.
- How much room does Elm need?
- Give Elm about 30 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Elm grow into?
- 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 Elm hardy on the Front Range?
- Elm 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 need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Elm grow?
- Elm is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Elm live?
- Elm has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Elm turn in fall?
- Elm turns yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Elm native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Elm deer-resistant?
- Elm is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Elm prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- 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.
Find Elm near you
See also
Related trees
