Cedar Elm
- Botanical Name: Ulmus crassifolia
- Plant Type: Shade Tree
- Light Requirement: Full Sun
- Water Demand: Low
- Landscape Use: Shade Provider
- Native or Adapted: Native
- Wildlife Value: Birds
- Deciduous or Evergreen: Deciduous
- Plant Form: Upright|Spreading
- Region: North Central Texas
- Plant Spread: 25' - 80'
- Plant Height: 30' - 80'
Description
Each tree is uniquely shaped. Small, sandpaper-like leaves and rough, corky bark. Grows well in all soils, but grows best in deep soils.
The cedar elm is a widespread native to the North Texas area. It is one of the most adaptable trees available, and is an excellent choice for a street site or other restricted site where you need height from a tree.
It's important to note that winged elms, which don't grow well in North Texas, are often mistaken for cedar elms in the nursery trade. You can differentiate the two by rubbing a few of their leaves. The top of a cedar elm's leaf will be rough like sandpaper and a winged elm's leaves will generally be smooth and slick.
In general, cedar elms don't have problems, but sometimes they develop aphids, spider mites, sooty mold, and mistletoe.