Content Detail

The DANADA CHARM™ elm has very good Dutch elm disease (DED) and elm yellows resistance, but is susceptible to elm leaf beetle. Its size makes it ideal for large yards and along streets. Its emerging leaves are glossy red, turning dark green in summer and yellow in fall. This tree is a Chicagoland Grows® selection.

  • Family (English) Elm
  • Family (botanic) Ulmaceae
  • Planting site City parkway, Residential and parks, Restricted sites, Wide median
  • Tree or plant type Tree
  • Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
  • Native locale Non-native
  • Size range Large tree (more than 40 feet)
  • Mature height 60-70 feet
  • Mature width 50-60 feet
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois)
  • Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
  • Tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil, Dry sites, Wet sites
  • Season of interest early spring, early fall, mid fall
  • Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
  • Shape or form Vase-shaped
  • Growth rate Fast
  • Transplants well Yes
  • Planting considerations Weak wood and branch structure
  • Wildlife Migrant birds
  • Has cultivars NA

Size and form:

The large vase-shaped trees mature height is 60 to 70 feet with mature width of 50 to 60 feet.

Native geographic location and habitat:

Of hybrid origin.

Bark color and texture:

Bark is gray-brown and shallowly furrowed.

Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture:

Oval, pointed leaves have tooth-within-tooth margins. Leaf is shorter on one side of the center vein than on the other. Leaves emerge red in spring, then become green in summer and finally yellow in fall.

Flower arrangement, shape, and size:

Inconspicuous flowers in early spring.

Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions:

Seed in small oval samara (seed case with wings for wind dispersal).

Plant care:

Generally, elm cultivars prefer sun and adapt easily to extremes in soil pH and moisture with good heat and wind tolerance. Do not prune elms between mid-April and mid-October.

List of pests, diseases and tolerances:

Elm leaf beetles may feed on leaves. Very good resistance to Dutch elm disease and elm yellows.

Donate

Your support is vital to the Arboretum, where the power of trees makes a positive impact on people’s lives.

Make a gift