Cedar Elm

Cedar elm is a large, oval-shaped tree growing 50-70 ft. high and 40-60 ft. wide. Dark green leaves
are small and rough-textured. Fall foliage is yellow. Tree has the smallest leaves of any native elm.
No need to rake the small leaves—they compost nicely. Young trees have corky wings on their
branches. Cedar elm is a reasonably fast-growing tree.

Planting Sites: Cedar elm grows in moist to dry alkaline, sandy, or clay soils. Moderate water demands. Withstands drought and heavy,
infertile soils.

Planting Instructions: Dig hole 2 to 3 time larger than, but the same depth as, the nursery container. Carefully remove plant from
container and gently loosen any compacted soil around the root ball. Plant at the same depth as the soil in the container. Add 2 to 3
inches of mulch.

Watering Instructions: If planting in spring, water well after planting, using root stimulator according to directions. For at least 3
months, water deeply every 7-10 days to promote deep roots that will withstand drought. May skip a watering after a rainfall of ‘A” to
1″. Once established, cedar elm is very drought-tolerant.

Comments: The Mourning Cloak and Question Mark butterflies use cedar elm for larval food. Birds eat the seeds use the tree for cover
and nesting sites. Small mammals also eat the seeds. It is susceptible to Dutch elm disease. Pollen is known to cause allergic reactions.

Planting and care instructions provided by the
Lindheimer Chapters of the Native Plant Society of Texas