Elm, Siberian
Category: Downtown Arboretum
Ulmus pumila
19 Trees
Details
Noteworthy Characteristics
Ulmus pumila, commonly called Siberian elm, is a fast-growing, weak-wooded, deciduous tree that typically grows to 50-70’ tall with broad upright habit. In the wild, it is sometimes seen in a shrubby form. It is primarily found in moist soils along streams from eastern Siberia to China. It was once widely planted in the U. S. because of its toughness, rapid growth, ability to thrive under arduous growing conditions and resistance to Dutch elm disease. Insignificant small reddish flowers appear in spring before the foliage emerges. Flowers give way to single-seeded wafer-like samaras (each tiny seed is surrounded by a flattened circular papery wing). Seeds mature in April-May as the leaves reach full size. Elliptic to oblong leaves (to 2-3” long) are smooth dark green above and glabrous beneath, with acuminate tips, serrate margins and nearly symetrical bases. Leaves typically turn an undistinguished dull yellow in fall.
Genus name comes from the Latin name.
Specific epithet means dwarf in reference to the small leaves and sometimes small shrubby habit.
For more information visit Missouri Botanical Garden HERE
