treeN. America Native

Cedar Elm

Ulmus crassifolia

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

720 inches

Width

600 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Over 100 years

Native To

South-Central United States

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Ulmus crassifolia, the Cedar Elm, is a tough, medium to large deciduous tree native to the south-central United States. It is highly adaptable to various soils, including heavy clays and alkaline conditions, and is known for its small, rough leaves and corky wings on the branches. Unlike most elms that flower in spring, the Cedar Elm is unique for flowering and setting seed in the fall. This characteristic, along with its exceptional drought and heat tolerance, makes it a resilient and valuable shade tree for challenging climates.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The Cedar Elm offers a handsome, vase-shaped silhouette and fine-textured foliage that casts pleasant, dappled shade. Its rugged, often corky bark provides winter interest, and its golden-yellow fall color adds seasonal appeal.

It is an exceptionally tough and long-lived shade tree, ideal for difficult urban conditions, parking lots, and residential yards in hot, dry climates. Its high tolerance for compacted clay and alkaline soils makes it a go-to choice where other trees fail.

As a native tree, it is a host plant for the larvae of several butterfly species, including the Question Mark and Mourning Cloak. Its seeds provide food for birds and small mammals, and it offers nesting sites and cover for wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with ample space for a large tree.
Dig a planting hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Ensure the top of the root ball is slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Backfill with native soil, breaking up any large clumps.
Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets and settle the soil.
Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch over the root zone, avoiding the trunk.

Pro Tip

Water deeply and infrequently after establishment to encourage a deep, drought-resistant root system, making it even more resilient.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for optimal growth.
Water regularly during the first few years to establish.
Prune in winter to develop a strong branch structure.
Tolerate a wide range of soil types, from clay to sand.

Don't

Don't plant too deep; keep the root flare visible.
Avoid excessive fertilization, as it's not typically necessary.
Don't overwater once the tree is established.
Avoid major pruning during the growing season.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Durable large shade tree for parksTough street tree for urban areasResilient specimen for naturalized landscapes

Companion Plants

Quercus virginiana Prosopis glandulosa Cercis canadensis var. texensis Muhlenbergia lindheimeri Salvia greggii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cedar Elm questions

What zones can Cedar Elm grow in?

Cedar Elm is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Cedar Elm deer resistant?

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

When does Cedar Elm bloom?

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

Does Cedar Elm need full sun?

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

Is Cedar Elm drought tolerant?

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