Siberian Elm – Ulmus pumila
Family Ulmaceae – Zelkova, Hackberry, Elm
Considered invasive in North America, Siberian elm grows to to 70 feet.
Siberian elm crown is open and rounded with slender, spreading branches.
Siberian elm invades pastures, roadsides, and prairies throughout the Midwest and Great Plains regions of the United States.
The trees are very drought and cold resistant allowing it to grow in areas where other trees cannot. The abundant, wind-dispersed seeds allow this plant to spread rapidly, forming dense thickets that close open areas displacing native vegetation and reducing forage for wild animals and livestock.
Siberian elm is native to northern Asia and was first introduced into America in the 1860s. It has been planted throughout the Midwest and Great Plains for windbreaks and lumber.
References
- Flora of North America, Ulmus pumila
- Siberian Elm – Ulmus pumila, Morton Arboretum acc. 325-70*4, photos: Bruce Marlin
Family Fagaceae – Beech, Chinkapin and Oak
Trees Index | Trees Main
Tree Encyclopedia / North American Insects & Spiders
Online since 2002
