Cedar Elm
ulmus crassifolia
Also known as: ["Cedar Elm","Cedar Elms"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to the United States, known for its small, rough leaves and winged fruits.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Urticales |
| Family: | Ulmaceae |
| Genus: | Ulmus |
| Botanical Name: | Ulmus crassifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor landscape, adaptable to various garden settings
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–38°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates clay but prefers improved drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done after flowering if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary, but avoid heavy pruning on mature trees
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight in cooler climates, reduce to 4–6 hours in hot regions to prevent leaf scorch.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; provide afternoon shade in hot climates; protect from harsh winds that can exacerbate sun stress.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Monitor leaf color for signs of sunburn; adjust exposure based on seasonal light intensity; use shade cloth if necessary.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend soil with organic matter for fertility; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 7–9; tolerates temperatures from -10°C to 35°C; prefers moderate temperatures with protection from extreme heat or cold.
Protect from frost in winter; provide shade in summer; maintain consistent temperatures to avoid shock.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilization to prevent root burn; water thoroughly after fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Keep warm and moist.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (20–25°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also use a rooting medium like peat moss.
Hormone
Recommended to use a rooting hormone to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment may take an additional 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium, humidity dome or plastic bag.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above a bud or branch junction; remove crossing or rubbing branches; thin out dense growth to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage healthy growth; focus on structural pruning for young trees.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools before use; prune during dormancy; remove dead or diseased wood first; make clean cuts; avoid topping the tree.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during extreme heat or cold.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm in diameter; ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant; prune any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot young trees every 2–3 years to refresh soil and accommodate growth; mature trees may only need repotting every 5–7 years if root-bound.
Checklist
Choose the right pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; prune roots if necessary; water well after repotting; place in a shaded area for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the trunk, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and fall; increase to twice weekly in summer, especially during drought; reduce frequency in winter to once every 2–3 weeks unless soil is dry.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure and fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold; stunted growth in temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl, turn brown, or drop; branches can become brittle and susceptible to breakage; growth may slow or halt.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; wrap trunks with burlap in severe cold; provide windbreaks to shield from cold winds.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow; increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Solution: Water deeply and frequently; provide partial shade during peak heat; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil nutrient levels; apply fertilizer at recommended rates; water after application; monitor for signs of over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply a light dose of nitrogen-rich fertilizer after flowering; avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicUlmus crassifolia is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain any known toxic substances that would pose a risk to felines upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicUlmus crassifolia is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known toxic compounds in the plant that would cause harm to canines upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicUlmus crassifolia, commonly known as Cedar Elm, is not considered toxic to humans. The plant does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does the Cedar Elm grow?
A: The Cedar Elm can grow up to 50-70 feet tall.
Q: Does the Cedar Elm produce flowers?
A: Yes, it produces small, inconspicuous flowers in late summer or early fall.
Q: Is the Cedar Elm resistant to Dutch elm disease?
A: The Cedar Elm has some resistance to Dutch elm disease compared to other elm species.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ulmaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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