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Patriot elm

Ulmus 'Patriot'

Common names:
Patriot elm

Content Detail

The Patriot elm has excellent resistance to Dutch elm disease (DED), excellent resistance to elm leaf beetles, and some resistance to elm yellows. This complex hybrid is fast-growing, vigorous, and easily established. It has glossy green foliage with yellow fall color. It is useful as a street, parkway, or shade tree.

  • 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 40-50 feet
  • Mature width 30-40 feet
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
  • Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
  • Tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil, Dry sites, Occasional drought, Occasional flooding, Road salt, Wet sites
  • Season of interest early fall
  • Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
  • Shape or form Oval
  • Growth rate Fast
  • Transplants well Yes
  • Wildlife Migrant birds
  • Has cultivars NA

Native geographic location and habitat:

The Patriot elm is of hybrid origin.

Bark color and texture:

Bark is gray, ridged, and furrowed.

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

Leaves are simple, alternate, and 3 to 4 inches long with toothed margins. Leaves are medium green in summer, changing to yellow-green in fall.

Flower arrangement, shape, and size:

Flowers appear in early spring but are inconspicuous.

Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions:

Seeds are contained in small oval samaras (seed case with wings) for wind dispersal.

Plant care:

Do not prune elm trees between mid-April and mid-October, as the open cuts may attract the elm bark beetle.

List of pests, diseases,  tolerances and resistance:

Susceptible to elm leaf miner and verticillium wilt. This hybrid shows excellent resistance to Dutch elm disease (DED), and to elm leaf beetles, with some resistance to elm yellows.

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