Lakeshore Garden Centres Plant Finder

Other Names:  White Elm, Water Elm, Gray Elm, Swamp Elm

Brand:  J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.

Description:

An extremely hardy and adaptable shade tree with an upright vase-shaped habit of growth and a dense branching structure; an excellent choice for modern landscapes due to its high DED resistance and its classic American elm form

Ornamental Features

Colonial Spirit® Elm is primarily valued in the landscape for its interesting and distinctive form. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The serrated pointy leaves turn outstanding shades of yellow and gold in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Colonial Spirit® Elm is a dense deciduous tree with an indistinguished habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Insects
• Disease

Colonial Spirit® Elm is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade

Planting & Growing

Colonial Spirit® Elm will grow to be about 65 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 50 feet. It has a high canopy of foliage that sits well above the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 80 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is an amazingly adaptable plant, tolerating both dry conditions and even some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.

This plant is not reliably hardy in our region, and certain restrictions may apply; contact the store for more information.