'Emerald Sunshine'
Ulmus propinqua
'Emerald Sunshine' (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 35–45 ft tall and 25–35 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 water35–45 ft tall and 25–35 ft wideDeer-resistant
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 4–9
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 35–45 ft tall and 25–35 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
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
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' good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, 'Emerald Sunshine' 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' get?
- It matures to about 35–45 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide.
- How much room does 'Emerald Sunshine' need?
- Give 'Emerald Sunshine' about 35 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does 'Emerald Sunshine' grow into?
- 'Emerald Sunshine' 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' hardy on the Front Range?
- 'Emerald Sunshine' 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 'Emerald Sunshine' need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does 'Emerald Sunshine' grow?
- 'Emerald Sunshine' is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does 'Emerald Sunshine' live?
- 'Emerald Sunshine' has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does 'Emerald Sunshine' turn in fall?
- 'Emerald Sunshine' turns yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is 'Emerald Sunshine' native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is 'Emerald Sunshine' deer-resistant?
- 'Emerald Sunshine' is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is 'Emerald Sunshine' prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- 'Emerald Sunshine' 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.
