wych elm (Ulmus glabra)

First place champion wych elm in Denver at City Park. Known as the “Shakespeare elm” as it seed source was from a tree outside of the Globe Theater in London.

Species info:

Leaves: Alternate, simple, oblong-ovate to obovate, 3–7” long, 1½–4” wide

Leaflets: N/A (leaves are simple)

Leaf Surface: Dark green above; bronze in fall; double serrate; abruptly acuminate tip; unequal at base

Bark: Lower trunk similar to American elm—gray with deep intersecting ridges; above graft, blocky and cross-checked (“Camperdown” characteristic)

Flowers: Not mentioned; typical of elm—small and inconspicuous

Botanical: Ulmus glabra

Family: Ulmaceae

Mature Height: 15–25 feet

Canopy Spread: Often greater than height; broad, round-headed, and weeping

Foliage Type: Deciduous

Tree Shape: Weeping

Flowers: Inconspicuous

Fruit: None

Fall Color: Bronze

Water Use: Moderate; susceptible to summer drought

Hardiness: Zones 4–6

Wildlife Value: Limited; may provide minor cover but not significant shade

Planting recommendations:

Pests/Pathogens: Susceptible to Dutch Elm Disease, Elm Leaf Beetle, Elm Yellows, leaf-mining and leaf-rolling insects

Information sources: Michael Dirr, Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (University of Georgia, 1998)