tree

Patriot Elm

Ulmus wilsoniana 'Patriot'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

600 inches

Width

480 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

60+ years

Native To

Hybrid (Asian/European parentage)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Elms are classic, large deciduous shade trees known for their toothed leaves and, in many American species, a graceful vase-shaped habit. Many species were decimated by Dutch Elm Disease (DED), leading to breeding programs for resistant varieties. 'Patriot' is a U.S. National Arboretum introduction, a complex hybrid highly resistant to Dutch Elm Disease and tolerant of elm leaf beetle. It has a stiffly upright, vase-shaped form, making it an excellent and durable street or park tree.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The 'Patriot' Elm restores the classic, stately vase shape to the American streetscape that was lost to Dutch Elm Disease. Its dense, dark green foliage provides excellent shade in summer and turns an attractive yellow in the fall. The upright, symmetrical form is handsome year-round.

This tree is a workhorse for urban environments. It is highly tolerant of compacted soils, drought, pollution, and de-icing salts, making it an ideal choice for street plantings, parking lots, and commercial landscapes. Its fast growth rate provides quick shade.

As a large canopy tree, it provides significant ecological services, including cooling urban heat islands, filtering air pollutants, and managing stormwater runoff. It also offers habitat and nesting sites for urban birds and supports various insects.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Plant in full sun in a location with room for a large tree.
Adapts to a wide range of soils, from clay to sand.
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
Set the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with the excavated soil and water deeply to remove air pockets.
Mulch a wide ring around the tree, keeping mulch away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Prune young trees for the first 5-7 years to ensure good structure, focusing on a single leader and well-spaced branches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly for the first few years to establish a deep root system.
Prune structurally when the tree is young.
Provide a large area for root growth, free from compaction.
Monitor for pests, even though it has good tolerance.

Don't

Do not plant under power lines or too close to buildings.
Avoid 'topping' the tree, which destroys its natural form.
Do not pile mulch up against the trunk ('volcano mulching').
Avoid wounding the bark with lawn equipment.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Durable and stately street treeClassic shade tree for large lawns and parksFormal allee or avenue planting

Companion Plants

Quercus rubra Acer saccharum Tilia americana Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans' Geranium macrorrhizum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Patriot Elm questions

What zones can Patriot Elm grow in?

Patriot Elm is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Patriot Elm deer resistant?

Yes — Patriot Elm is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Patriot Elm bloom?

Patriot Elm typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Patriot Elm need full sun?

Patriot Elm does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Patriot Elm drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Patriot Elm handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.