Native to Northern China, Eastern Siberia, Manchuria, and Korea
Deciduous tree with good tolerance to drought and cold

Siberian Elm
(Ulmus pumila)

Quick Identification

Grows 50–70 feet tall and 35–50 feet wide with a vase-shaped crown
Mature bark is dark gray, and twigs are silver-gray
Leaves are alternate, simple, doubly serrated, ovate to lance-shaped, with an oblique base; dark green on top and light green underneath

Impact
Siberian elm's rapid growth and high seed production enable it to form dense thickets that outcompete native plants, decrease biodiversity, reduce forage for wildlife and livestock, and disrupt natural ecosystems and wildlife movement. Its shallow roots make soil more prone to erosion than deeper-rooted native trees.

Management
Treatments include manual pulling or digging for small trees, girdling, bull-dozing, mowing or cutting, herbicide treatment, or burning, if safe to do so. On-going treatments or follow-ups are crucial as Siberian elm is likely to resprout.

Flower
Small green flowers bloom in spring before leaves, producing single-seeded, wafer-like samaras with papery, oval wings.

Leaves & Stems
Leaves are alternate, small (1–2 inches), elliptical, and toothed with a nearly symmetrical base. Stems are slender, brittle, gray-green, and may be slightly hairy.

Roots
Roots are shallow and spread out horizontally, unlike most elm species that have a deep taproot. These powerful roots have been said to lift sidewalks and even penetrate sewer lines.

Reproduction & Dispersal
Reproduces rapidly by seed and stump sprouts from smaller trees.

Seeds

The Siberian elm generates small, winged seeds called samaras. These oval-shaped structures contain a single seed and start out light green, gradually turning brown as they mature. Seeds are dispersed by wind.

Preferred Habitat
Prefers a moist, well-drained soil, and sunny, open areas. It commonly grows on disturbed roads, in pastures and rangelands, along moist streambanks, and railroad rights-of-way.

Interesting Facts
Some studies have shown that the Siberian Elm tree is resistant to Dutch Elm Disease

Native to Northern China, Eastern Siberia, Manchuria, and Korea

Deciduous tree with good tolerance to drought and cold

Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila)

Quick Identification

Grows 50–70 feet tall and 35–50 feet wide with a vase-shaped crown

Mature bark is dark gray, and twigs are silver-gray

Leaves are alternate, simple, doubly serrated, ovate to lance-shaped, with an oblique base; dark green on top and light green underneath

Management Treatments include manual pulling or digging for small trees, girdling, bull-dozing, mowing or cutting, herbicide treatment, or burning, if safe to do so. On-going treatments or follow-ups are crucial as Siberian elm is likely to resprout.

Flower Small green flowers bloom in spring before leaves, producing single-seeded, wafer-like samaras with papery, oval wings.

Leaves & Stems Leaves are alternate, small (1–2 inches), elliptical, and toothed with a nearly symmetrical base. Stems are slender, brittle, gray-green, and may be slightly hairy.

Roots Roots are shallow and spread out horizontally, unlike most elm species that have a deep taproot. These powerful roots have been said to lift sidewalks and even penetrate sewer lines.

Reproduction & Dispersal Reproduces rapidly by seed and stump sprouts from smaller trees.