Cedar Elm Tree (Ulmus crassifolia)
Sun/Shade: Prefers full sun; part shade OK
Landscape Use: Cedar Elms are quality shade trees that are especially
beautiful in spring when they first leaf out with bright green foliage. Though
their leaves are small, they also provide attractive orange fall foliage. What
they lack in leaf size is made up for by their vast number of leaves. Their
growth rate can be sped up with good soil and watering. They are common
throughout San Antonio and the Hill Country. Huge Cedar Elms can be seen
at the Witte Museum and here at Helotes Creek. They are sometimes
mistaken for Live Oak trees because of their similar colored dark trunk bark.
Size: On bottomlands near streams they can get very large, up to 80 feet tall.
When close together they can create a forest effect growing tall and narrow;
if planted in the open they will spread out with a broader crown. These small
Cedar Elm trees are babies from their mother trees up above. They were
grown from seeds that fell into nursery pots and produced thousands of
seedlings. They were raised and are now about 4 years old. In the ground
they would now be twice this size.
Type: Deciduous Shade Tree
Drought Tolerance: Very drought tolerant but looks best with regular
watering.
Soil: Not particular about soil as long as it drains well and does not remain
constantly wet. Does well in rocky soil or even better with soil enhancement.
Water: Smart Watering Principle=Water well when first planted then allow
to dry slightly, without wilting, then water deeply again, etc. Easy Watering
Principle= Water every day the first week; every second day the second
week; every third day the third week; every fourth day the fourth week;
every fifth day the fifth week. A soaking rainfall should last for about two
weeks worth of watering. Do not keep constantly wet.
Fertilizer: Looks even better with regular fertilization.
Maintenance Tips: This tree balances itself out nicely and lower limbs can
be removed as desired.
Rating: Rates high as a landscape plant.
Pictures: See the plant picture book in the appropriate section.
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