Marcus, Joseph A.
Ulmus crassifolia Nutt.
Cedar elm, Fall elm, Olmo
Ulmaceae (Elm Family)
Cedar elm is a large, oval-rounded
tree growing 50-70 ft. high and 40-60 ft. wide.
Bark is scaly and the drooping branches have corky ridges. Dark-green leaves are small and rough-textured. Leaves much smaller than those of the American Elm, Fall foliage is yellow except in the southern part of the range where it is evergreen.
Tree with rounded crown of drooping branches and the smallest leaves of any
native elm.
The common
native elm in east Texas where it is planted for shade. Called Cedar Elm because of the rough, cedar scale-like texture of the leaves and because it is often found in the western part of its range with Ashe Juniper (
Juniperus ashei), which is locally called cedar. The Latin species name means thick leaf.
Image Gallery:
31 photo(s) available
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Green
Bloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Distribution
USA: AR , FL , LA , MS , MO , OK , TN , TX
Native Distribution: TN & AR, s. to MS & TX
Native Habitat: Woodlands; ravines; open slopes
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Cold Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Moist to dry, alkaline soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam Clay Loam, Clay, Caliche type, Limestone-based
Conditions Comments: Cedar elm is a nicely-proportioned, hardy, drought tolerant shade
tree for a broad range of soil types. It brings vivid yellow color to the landscape in autumn. No need to rake the small leaves—they compost nicely. Young trees have corky wings on their branches. The Mourning Cloak and Question Mark butterflies use it for larval food. Withstands drought and heavy, infertile soils. Susceptible to Dutch elm disease. Reasonably fast-growing. Known to cause severe allergy reactions.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Shade
tree, Fast growing, Long-living, Fall conspicuous
Use Wildlife: Seeds-granivorous birds, Cover, Substrate-insectivorous birds, Nesting site, Browse, Seeds-Small mammals.
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Mourning Cloak, Question Mark
Deer Resistant: No
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Ulmus crassifolia is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Last Update: 2010-12-12
