Japanese Elm

General 
Scientific Name: Ulmus davidiana var. japonica 
Family: Ulmaceae (Elm) 
Hardiness: Zone 3 
Leaves: Deciduous 
Plant Type: Tree 

Growth 
Rate: Fast 
Mature Height: 25-45’ 
Longevity: Long 
Power Line: No 

Ornamental 
Flowers: Inconspicuous 
Fruit: Tan samara 
Fall Color: Yellow

A hardy, spreading, umbrella-shaped tree native to Japan and northeastern Asia. This species is reported to be highly resistant to Dutch elm disease and is used to develop resistant cultivars.

Light: Full sun to part shade. 
Water: Medium. 
Soil: Adapted to saline, alkaline and dry sites.

Do not prune between mid-April and mid-October when beetles are flying to prevent disease spread. Growth rate of Japanese elm is highly variable among trees, sites and cultivars. See NDSU Extension publication F1893 (Elms for North Dakota) for more information on Japanese elm and other elm species and varieties. Japanese elm cultivars include: 

‘Discovery’ - Very slow growing, dense cultivar. 

‘Freedom’ - Very cold hardy but has mixed success in cities across North Dakota. Spreading, mushroom-shaped crown. 

Northern Empress® - Beautiful burgundy fall color. NDSU release.

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Japanese Elm

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Japanese Elm

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Japanese Elm