Siberian Elm – Ulmus pumila


Siberian Elm – Ulmus pumila

Siberian Elm

Family Ulmaceae – Zelkova, Hackberry, Elm
Considered invasive in North America, Siberian elm grows to to 70 feet.

siberian elm foliage and bark

Siberian elm crown is open and rounded with slender, spreading branches.

Siberian elm invades pastures, roadsides, and prairies throughout the Midwest and Great Plains regions of the United States.

Siberian Elm Bark

The trees are very drought and cold resistant allowing it to grow in areas where other trees cannot. The abundant, wind-dispersed seeds allow this plant to spread rapidly, forming dense thickets that close open areas displacing native vegetation and reducing forage for wild animals and livestock.

Siberian elm is native to northern Asia and was first introduced into America in the 1860s. It has been planted throughout the Midwest and Great Plains for windbreaks and lumber.

References

  1. Flora of North America, Ulmus pumila
  2. Siberian Elm – Ulmus pumila, Morton Arboretum acc. 325-70*4, photos: Bruce Marlin

Family Fagaceae – Beech, Chinkapin and Oak
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Online since 2002