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Siberian Elm   arrow

Ulmus pumila (Ul’-mus pu’-mi-la)
Family: Ulmaceae, Elm


Key Steps


Description

Siberian Elm leafLeaf: To 3 inches long. Usually singly-toothed margin, pointed tip, may have a slightly uneven base. Pinnate venation. Leaf smaller and not as rough in texture as American Elm.

Bud: Roundish in shape. Flower buds are larger than the leaf buds, which are very thin and hard to see. Buds are reddish-brown or blackish and may be tipped to one side or the other of the leaf scar. Buds scales (4 or more) may be in 2 ranks (two vertical rows). Scales may be hairy on margins. True terminal bud absent.

Leaf Scar: Half round. Sunken bundle scars when visible are in groups of 3.

Stem: Slender. New growth gray, in a “fishbone” or herringbone pattern.

Bark: Older bark brown, furrowed.

Pith: White, solid.

Elm SamaraFruit: Oval, circular, flat, papery, 1/2 inch diameter. In clusters of 8-15.

Habit: Scraggly, not vase-shaped. Weak wood, very fast growing. Prone to storm damage. 40 feet tall.

Culture: Thrives just about anywhere under any condition.

Note: Confused with Chinese Elm. Chinese Elm fruits in September, not in spring like Siberian Elm.


Resources

Colorado Master Gardener
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