English elm (Ulmus procera)

Row of English elms in La Junta.

Species info:

Leaves: Alternate, simple, broadly elliptical, 2–3¾ inches long and 1¾–2 inches wide. Abruptly pointed tip, strongly unequal leaf base, and doubly serrated margins. Upper surface dark green and rough; underside paler with soft hairs.

Leaf Surface: Coarse and sandpapery above; pubescent beneath.

Bark: Dark gray and deeply furrowed into rectangular plates; provides a rugged, interlaced texture on mature trunks. Young twigs are brown, slender, and densely hairy; may develop narrow corky wings with age.

Flowers: Small (⅛ inch), dark red clusters along twigs in early spring before leaves emerge.

Fruit: Flat, rounded samaras about ½ inch long, greenish and hairless, each with one seed near a notched tip. Ripens and disperses in spring.

Botanical: Ulmus procera

Family: Ulmaceae

Mature Height: 70–100 feet

Canopy Spread: 60–90 feet

Foliage Type: Deciduous

Tree Shape: Oval

Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

Flowers: Inconspicuous

Fruit: None

Fall Color: Yellow

Water Use: Moderate; prefers consistent soil moisture

Hardiness: Zones 5–8 (tolerant of a wide range of temperatures and soils)

Soil Preference: Moist, fertile, well-drained soils preferred, though adaptable to a variety of conditions

Wildlife Value: Provides nesting and shade habitat; seeds and foliage attract birds and insects

Pests/Pathogens: Susceptible to Dutch elm disease (DED), elm leaf beetles may defoliate trees, and elm bark beetle

Planting Recommendations:

Information Sources: