Ulmus pumila (Siberian elm)

Botanical name

Ulmus pumila

Other names

Siberian elm, Dwarf elm

Genus

Ulmus Ulmus

Species

U. pumila - U. pumila is a upright, broad, deciduous shrub with narrowly elliptic, ovate, or lance-shaped, toothed, tapered, dark green leaves, hairy beneath, and tiny red flowers in early spring followed by winged, green fruit.

Native to

China, Korea, Japan

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Rounded to broadly spreading

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Colour

Flower

Insignificant or absent, Red in Spring

Foliage

Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Yellow in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids , Gall mites , Leafhoppers

Diseases

Resistant but not immune to Dutch elm disease.

Specific diseases

Dutch elm disease , Honey fungus

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 1.

Propagation methods

Softwood cuttings, Suckers

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Ulmus pumila (Siberian elm) will reach a height of 20m and a spread of 20m after 20-50 years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Low Maintenance, Foliage only, Specimen tree

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Tolerates drought and air pollution. Site carefully as grows large rapidly. Branches are brittle and easily damaged by strong winds and heavy snow/frost. Classified as an invasive species in the Midwestern United States.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Ulmus pumila (Siberian elm)

Common pest name

Apple root knot nematode

Scientific pest name

Meloidogyne mali

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Unknown

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

UK (along with certain other European countries) received potentially infested trees in 1992; but these were destroyed at the end of the trial period and targeted surveillance has failed to find any trace of the nematode. Main impacts are on elm; apple and mulberry and industry should source such material carefully.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Ulmus pumila (Siberian elm)

Common pest name

Dutch elm disease (aggressive form)

Scientific pest name

Ophiostoma novo-ulmi

Type

Fungus

Current status in UK

Present (Widespread)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Local authorities with significant healthy elm populations need to consider the potential benefits of retaining or enhancing controls.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Ulmus pumila (Siberian elm)

Common pest name

Alfalfa dwarf; Anaheim disease; California vine disease; Dwarf disease of alfalfa; Dwarf disease of lucerne; Leaf scald of oleander; Leaf scald of plum; Leaf scorch; Phony disease of peach; Pierce's disease of grapevine; Variegated chlorosis of citrus

Scientific pest name

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex

Type

Bacterium

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

A bacterial disease with a wide host range detected in Corsica. Although EU regulated; there remains some concern about the risk of introduction. This subspecies is known to be able to thrive in cooler climates. Should an outbreak occur; there would be a need for eradication action which would result in environmental and social impacts.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/