Sapporo Autumn Gold Elm Ulmus 'Sapporo Autumn Gold'
ABOUT
'Sapporo Autumn Gold' is a type of Elm tree known for its striking appearance throughout various seasons. It has a well-shaped canopy that offers an ample spread of shade. The leaves of 'Sapporo Autumn Gold' emerge in the spring, exuding a fresh, lively green color, creating a dense and vibrant foliage. The leaves are simple, with a rounded to an oval shape and an asymmetrical base, featuring the classic Elm serrated edges. As the seasons transition to autumn, the foliage transforms, showcasing the reason for its name. The leaves turn into a brilliant golden-yellow hue, providing an eye-catching display before they eventually fall. The bark on the mature tree has a textured appearance, with deep furrows and a grey-brown color, which can add visual interest even in the winter months when the tree is bare. The overall appearance of 'Sapporo Autumn Gold' Elm is one of sturdiness and grace, making it a popular choice for landscaping without considering its size.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sapporo Autumn Gold Elm
Common names
Ulmus 'Sapporo Autumn Gold'
ToxicityTo humans
Elm trees, which include the 'Sapporo Autumn Gold' elm, are not commonly known to be toxic to humans. Generally, these trees do not pose a significant risk if ingested. However, consuming plant parts is not advisable due to the risk of choking or allergic reactions in some individuals.
To pets
Elm trees, which include the 'Sapporo Autumn Gold' elm, are not commonly known to be toxic to pets. Ingesting parts of the tree, such as leaves or bark, is unlikely to cause poisoning in pets; however, it is still recommended to prevent pets from ingesting non-food plants due to the potential for gastrointestinal upset or the possibility of an allergic reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
40 feet (12 meters)
Spread
30 feet (9 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Adaptability: The plant is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, making it suitable for different landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: It exhibits good resistance to drought, reducing the need for frequent watering once established.
- Disease Resistance: The plant shows strong resistance to Dutch elm disease, which is a significant threat to elm trees.
- Cold Hardiness: It is capable of surviving in cold climates, which makes it a good choice for northern regions.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its attractive foliage and golden autumn color, it adds visual interest to gardens and streetscapes.
- Shade Provider: The plant has a broad canopy that can provide ample shade, making it ideal for parks and large spaces.
- Urban Tolerant: It has a high tolerance for urban conditions, including pollution and confined soil spaces.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal upkeep compared to other ornamental trees.
- Fast Growing: The plant exhibits a relatively fast growth rate, allowing for quicker establishment and landscape impact.
- Wildlife Habitat: It can provide food and habitat for various bird species, enhancing biodiversity.
- Windbreak: With its sturdy structure, it serves well as a windbreak when planted in groups or rows.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking: The wood of the Elm is hard and durable, making it suitable for creating furniture, veneer, and specialty woodworking projects.
- Windbreaks: Due to its size and the density of its foliage, Elm trees can be planted in rows to serve as windbreaks that protect smaller plants or reduce wind speed on properties.
- Urban Landscaping: Elms are tolerant of urban conditions like pollution and compacted soil, which makes them good candidates for city planting and street trees.
- Erosion Control: The root system of the Elm helps stabilize soil and can be used to prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Habitat Support: Elms provide a habitat for various species of wildlife, including birds and squirrels, which use the branches for nesting and shelter.
- Leaf Compost: Fallen Elm leaves can be gathered and added to compost bins, where they decompose and enrich the soil with nutrients.
- Shade Provider: Elms can be planted in gardens and parks to provide ample shade due to their extensive canopy, making outdoor spaces more comfortable during hot weather.
- Photography and Art: With its attractive shape and seasonal color changes, the Elm can be the subject of photography or landscape paintings.
- Educational Resource: Elms can be incorporated into educational programs about dendrology, the study of trees, due to their interesting characteristics and historical significance.
- Climate Change Research: As a deciduous tree, the Elm's growth rings can be studied for dendroclimatological research, providing data on past climate conditions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Ulmus 'Sapporo Autumn Gold', commonly known as Elm, is not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Elm is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength: The Ulmus genus, commonly known as Elm trees, has historically symbolized strength and durability because of the hard and resistant nature of its wood.
- Resilience: Elms are known for their ability to withstand challenging conditions, making them a symbol of resilience and perseverance.
- Protection: In some cultures, Elm trees are thought to offer protection and are planted to guard and shield homes and other structures.
- Interconnection: Elms, with their extensive root systems, often symbolize the interconnectedness of life and community.
- Communal Spirit: Elm trees, often found in the center of villages or towns, have traditionally embodied the spirit of community and gathering.
WaterGolden Elm trees require consistent moisture, especially during the first few years after planting. Water the Golden Elm deeply once or twice a week, providing about 15-20 gallons of water each time, depending on the soil type and weather conditions. During hot, dry spells, increase watering frequency to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in cooler months or during periods of rainfall. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot.
LightGolden Elm trees thrive in full sun to partial shade. The best spot for a Golden Elm is an area where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. These trees can handle some light shade, but too much shade can reduce growth and vigor. Avoid deep shade as it is detrimental to the tree's development.
TemperatureGolden Elm trees are hardy and can tolerate a wide temperature range. They can survive temperatures as low as -30°F and as high as 100°F, making them adaptable to many climates. However, the ideal temperature range for promoting the best growth and health is between 50°F and 80°F.
PruningPruning the Golden Elm is primarily for maintaining shape and removing any broken, diseased, or dead branches. The best time to prune is late winter to early spring before new growth starts. Pruning is recommended every two to three years to keep the tree's form and prevent potential problems from densely packed branches.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe ideal soil mix for the Sapporo Autumn Gold Elm should be well-draining and fertile, with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. A mix of loam, sand, and compost will support its growth.
RepottingSapporo Autumn Gold Elms, being large trees, are not typically repotted; instead, they should be planted in a suitable location where they can grow without the need for repotting.
Humidity & MistingSapporo Autumn Gold Elm does well in average outdoor humidity levels; it is adaptable and does not require specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, room to grow, and avoid dry air for indoor Sapporo Autumn Gold Elm.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, and ample space suit outdoor Sapporo Autumn Gold Elm.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Elm 'Sapporo Autumn Gold' begins with germination, where seeds sprout after experiencing a period of dormancy and the right environmental conditions. The seedlings then establish themselves, developing a root system and foliage as they enter the vegetative growth phase. As they mature, these elms undergo a period of active growth, where they increase in height and girth and develop a characteristic canopy. Once mature, the trees enter the reproductive phase, producing flowers which are typically wind-pollinated. Following pollination, they produce seeds encased in a papery, winged samara structure that is dispersed by the wind. Finally, as the trees age, they enter a period of senescence, where growth slows, and they eventually die after potentially living for several hundred years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Elm tree, specifically the Ulmus 'Sapporo Autumn Gold', is through cuttings. Cuttings are typically taken during the tree's dormant period in late winter to early spring. A healthy, disease-free branch is selected and a portion of it is cut to a length of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), ensuring it contains several nodes where leaves are attached. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end can be dipped in a rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The prepared cutting is then placed in a potting mix, ensuring at least one node is buried beneath the surface, which can facilitate root development. The potting mix should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cutting needs to be placed in a warm location with indirect light. After a few weeks to a few months, when roots have developed sufficiently, the young tree can be transplanted to a more permanent location.
