Cedar Elms are a tough and adaptable shade trees that are native to Texas. It is mainly known for its "tough-as-nails" nature, as it thrives in harsh conditions where other trees might struggle. Cedar Elms are large deciduous trees that have green leaves that turn yellow in the fall. They have scaly bark with flattened ridges that break into thin, loose, flaky scales. Cedar Elm wood is very strong and is often mixed with other southern elm species to be sold as rock elm. The wood is used for boxes, baskets, furniture, hockey sticks, veneer, wood pulp, and paper-making.
Scientific Name
Ulmus crassifolia
Foliage: Deciduous
Summer: The leaves are small, dark green, and have rough, sandpaper-like texture. They have inconspicuous green flowers that bloom in the summer.
Fall: The leaves turn a golden-yellow color in the autumn. Produce winged seeds in the late summer or early fall.
Winter: This tree drops its leaves in the winter, revealing a "corky" branching structure with winged ridges on the twigs.
Mature Height
50-70 feet
Mature Width (Spread)
40-60 feet
Growth Rate
Moderate (typically 1.5-2.5 feet per year)
USDA Zone
6-9
Plant Care & Characteristics
Light Requirements: Full Sun. Cedar Elms typically perform best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
Water Requirements: Low to Moderate. Cedar Elms requires regular watering to get established, but once the roots are set, it is very low-maintenance. Cedar Elms are naturally found near riverbeds but are surprisingly tolerant of dry conditions.
Drought Resistance: High. Cedar Elms are one of the most drought-tolerant elms available. They can withstand intense heat and dry soil better than most other shade trees.
Soil Type:Highly Adaptable. Cedar Elms are famously tough, thriving in heavy clay, limestone, rocky, or sandy soils. It is one of the few trees that can handle compacted soil and poor drainage.
Deer Resistance: When Cedar Elms are newly planted trees, deer may snack on the tender young shoots. However, mature trees are usually safe.
Cedar elms are susceptible to Dutch Elm disease, a fungal disease spread by elm bark beetles. They are also prone to insect damage from aphids, spider-mites, cotton scale, and elm leaf beetle.
