European White Elm
ulmus laevis
Also known as: ["European White Elm","Slippery Elm"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to Europe, known for its smooth, greyish bark and large, asymmetrical leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Urticales |
| Family: | Ulmaceae |
| Genus: | Ulmus |
| Botanical Name: | Ulmus laevis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor planting in open areas with ample space for root and canopy growth
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30 to 40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to moderately draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Deep, fertile, well-drained loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; remove any damaged branches after storms.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; focus on structural pruning in youth, reducing frequency as the tree matures.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or dappled sunlight daily, with protection from harsh afternoon sun in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate young trees gradually to full sun; protect from intense midday sun to prevent leaf scorch; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Monitor leaf color for signs of sun stress; use shade cloth if needed; rotate outdoor placement seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid waterlogging.
Soil
deep, fertile, moist but well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good aeration; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–7; tolerates cold winters but prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C) during active growth.
Protect from late spring frosts; water deeply before cold snaps; avoid placing near heat sources in winter.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Test soil before fertilizing; apply fertilizer evenly around the drip line; water thoroughly after application.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed propagation; hardwood cuttings taken in late winter or early spring are most successful.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stems.
- Cut 6–8 inch sections.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late winter or early spring before active growth begins.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions (70–75°F or 21–24°C) with indirect light and consistent moisture.
Medium
Coarse sand or perlite mixed with peat moss for good drainage and aeration.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take one growing season.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, misting bottle, heating mat.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above a bud or lateral branch; avoid topping; remove crossing or weak branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage strong structure, especially in young trees.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
N/A (outdoor tree); container-grown trees should be repotted in early spring.
Pot Size
N/A (outdoor tree); container-grown trees should be moved to a pot 2–3 inches larger in diameter.
Method
N/A (outdoor tree); container-grown trees should be repotted with fresh soil mix and proper drainage.
Suggestions
Ulmus laevis is typically grown outdoors; repotting is not applicable unless grown in a container.
Checklist
N/A (outdoor tree); container-grown trees: check root bound status; use fresh soil; ensure drainage holes.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; avoid overhead watering.
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 allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate sand or perlite for drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat, premature leaf drop in cold stress, stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause leaf drop, reduced sap flow, and potential dieback of young growth.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect from harsh winds; avoid planting in frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf wilting, scorch, and reduced vigor, especially in young trees.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering during heatwaves; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil pH; follow label instructions; fertilize in spring only; avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in late summer to prevent tender growth vulnerable to frost.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicThe seeds and bark of Ulmus laevis are not considered toxic to cats. Ingestion in large quantities may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, but no severe toxic effects have been reported.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicThe seeds and bark of Ulmus laevis are not considered toxic to dogs. However, ingestion in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's fibrous nature.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicThe seeds of Ulmus laevis are generally considered non-toxic to humans, but excessive consumption may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to their high fiber content. No significant physiological impact has been documented.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ulmus laevis suitable for urban planting?
A: Yes, but it is susceptible to Dutch elm disease, which can limit its longevity in urban environments.
Q: How tall does Ulmus laevis grow?
A: It can reach heights of 20–30 meters (65–100 feet) under optimal conditions.
Q: Does Ulmus laevis have any medicinal uses?
A: Historically, the inner bark was used for its soothing properties, but modern use is limited due to disease susceptibility.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ulmaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
