tree

Accolade Elm

Ulmus davidiana v. japonica 'Accolade'

The Story

Plant Bio

Ulmus davidiana var. japonica is a deciduous tree native to northeastern Asia, where it grows in damp forests and alluvial soils. The species develops a broad, upright-arching canopy with fine-textured, serrated leaves that turn golden-yellow before dropping in fall.

'Morton', sold under the trade name Accolade, is a selection distinguished by its vase-shaped habit that closely mimics the form of the American elm. It exhibits exceptional resistance to Dutch elm disease and elm leaf beetle, making it a reliable substitute for vulnerable native species.

Uses & Benefits:

Features an elegant, upright-arching vase shape reminiscent of the American elm, with glossy dark green foliage that turns a rich golden-yellow in fall.

Highly resistant to Dutch elm disease and elm leaf beetle, making it an excellent, low-maintenance street and park tree.

Provides valuable nesting sites, shelter, and canopy cover for urban and woodland birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

840"

Width

600"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long

Native To

Northeastern Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a full-sun location with rich, well-drained loam, though the tree adapts to clay or sandy soils.
Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system.
Prune annually or biennially in late winter to remove competing co-dominant stems and establish strong branch architecture.
Apply a layer of organic mulch over the root zone to retain moisture and protect the trunk from mower damage.

Pro Tip

Train young trees to a single leader early to prevent the formation of weak, co-dominant stems and bark inclusions.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune young trees regularly to establish a strong central leader.
Mulch the root zone to maintain soil moisture and protect the shallow roots.
Water deeply during extended dry periods to maintain vigor.

Don't

Do not prune aggressively into old bare wood that lacks active growth points.
Do not plant in poorly drained, permanently waterlogged sites.
Avoid wounding the trunk, which can allow wetwood bacteria to enter.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade TreeStreet TreeUrban ParkSpecimen Planting

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Accolade Elm questions

What zones can Accolade Elm grow in?

Accolade Elm is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Accolade Elm bloom?

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

Does Accolade Elm need full sun?

Accolade Elm does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Accolade Elm drought tolerant?

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