Content Detail

The tall Regal elm has good Dutch elm disease (DED) resistance. It can be used as a specimen or in groups for streets, parks, and large yards. This hybrid is a University of Wisconsin introduction.

  • 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 50-60 feet
  • Mature width 50-60 feet
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7
  • Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
  • Tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil, Dry sites, Occasional drought, Occasional flooding, Road salt, Wet sites
  • Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
  • Shape or form Oval, Pyramidal
  • Growth rate Moderate
  • Transplants well Yes
  • Planting considerations Highly susceptible to ice damage
  • Wildlife Migrant birds
  • Has cultivars NA

Native geographic location and habitat: 

Regal elm is of hybrid origin.

Bark color and texture: 

Bark is gray, ridged, and furrowed.

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

The alternate leaves have  toothed margins. Leaf color is shiny dark green in summer. No fall color.

Flower arrangement, shape, and size: 

Flowers are green and inconspicuous, appearing in early spring.

Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions: 

Seeds enclosed in a flat, circular wing.

Plant care:

Regal elm prefers a moist, well-drained soil. Do not prune elm trees between mid-April and mid-October.

List of pests, diseases, and tolerances: 

May be attacked by elm yellows, spongy moth (formerly know as gypsy moth), and elm leaf beetle. Resistant to Dutch elm disease.

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