MSU Extension Gardening in Michigan

Ulmus spp.

• Height: 35’ - 70’ depending on cultivar
• Site characteristics: Rich, well-drained soils
• Zone: 4 or 5 depending on cultivar
• Wet/dry: Tolerates intermittent flooding and drought once established
• Native range: Asian and European hybrids
• Salt: Moderate tolerance
• pH: 5.0 - 8.2
• Shape: Upright, vase
• Cultivars: A variety of Dutch elm disease-resistant cultivars are now available in the nursery market. These include selections of hybrids of Asian or European elms that are resistant to Dutch elm disease. ‘AccoladeTM’ (Ulmus japonica x Ulmus wilsoniana) – displays a handsome, vase-shaped canopy, deep green glossy leaves, and has shown resistance to Dutch elm disease, elm leaf beetle and leafminer. Zone 4. ‘Frontier’ (Ulmus carpinifolia x Ulmus parvifolia) – up to 70’ moderate resistance to elm leaf beetle and high tolerance to elm yellows. Forms a pyramidal rather than vase-shaped crown as it matures. Zone 5. ‘Triumph’ (Ulmus ‘Morton Glossy’) – up to 70’, lustrous, dark green foliage in summer. Yellow fall color maintains excellent disease and pest resistance as well as good drought tolerance, making it a great choice for tough, urban planting sites. Zone 4.
• Additional: Transplant in spring
• Pests: Japanese beetles

  
Photos: Bert Cregg, MSU

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