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. It typically grows with a single, straight trunk and dense, oval-to-rounded crown. 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
Leaves: Small, dark green, and have rough, sandpaper-like texture. The leaves turn a golden-yellow color in the autumn (usually November), providing a nice late-season splash of color. Produce winged seeds in the late summer or early fall.
Bark: Light brown to grey and develops deep, scaly ridges as the tree ages.
Flowers: Unlike most other elms that bloom in the spring, the Cedar Elm blooms in late summer or fall (August–September), producing tiny green flowers followed by small, winged seeds (samaras).
The Wings: 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.
Dutch Elm Disease & Mistletoe: 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 beetles. This tree is a frequent host for Mistletoe. While a little mistletoe is harmless, a heavy infestation can stress the tree during droughts. It is best to prune mistletoe out when you see it to keep the tree's energy focused on its own growth.
