Siberian elm Ulmus pumila

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Not blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Ulmus pumila, also known as the Siberian elm, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that is native to Asia and widely cultivated throughout Asia, North America, Argentina, and southern Europe.
It can grow up to 50 feet tall and 20-40 feet wide, with a spreading, vase-shaped crown.
The bark is gray-brown and furrowed, and the branches are slender and zig-zag.
The leaves are dark green and glossy on the upper surface, and pale green and hairy on the lower surface. They are elliptical in shape, and are 2-3 inches long and 1-2 inches wide.
The small, inconspicuous flowers appear in clusters in early spring before the leaves emerge, and are followed by small, winged seeds that are dispersed by the wind.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Ulmaceae
- Synonyms
  Siberian elm, Dwarf elm, Chinese elm
- Common names
  Ulmus campestris var. pumila, Ulmus campestris L. var. pumila, Ulmus gobicus, Ulmushumilis, Ulmus manshurica, Ulmus microphylla, Ulmus pumila var. genuina, Ulmus pumila var. microphylla, Ulmus pumila var. transbaicalensis
Toxicity
- To humans
  Ulmus pumila is not known to be toxic to humans when ingested or touched. However, it is important to note that all plants should be handled with care, and it is always best to wash your hands after handling any plant.
- To pets
  Ulmus pumila is not known to be toxic to animals when ingested. However, it is important to note that all plants should be handled with care, and it is always best to consult with a veterinarian if an animal ingests a large quantity of any plant.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green and yellow in the fall
- Flower color
  Red
- Height
  Up to 50 feet
- Spread
  Up to 30 feet
- Plant type
  Tree
- Hardiness zones
  4
- Native area
  Asia

Benefits

General Benefits
The Siberian elm is able to tolerate drought conditions, making it a suitable choice for dry areas;
The tree is known for its resistance to wind and storms, making it a suitable choice for areas that experience strong winds;
The tree can grow in a variety of soils, including clay, sand, and loam, as well as in alkaline or acidic soils;
The tree's deep roots make it a good choice for erosion control on slopes and along riverbanks;
The tree's spreading, vase-shaped crown and small, inconspicuous flowers make it an attractive ornamental tree;
The tree provides food and shelter for a variety of wildlife species, including birds and small mammals.
Medical Properties
Anti-inflammatory: Ulmus pumila has been found to contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation and swelling in conditions such as arthritis.
Antioxidant: The bark of Ulmus pumila contains compounds with antioxidant properties, which may help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
Anti-cancer: Some studies have suggested that Ulmus pumila may have anti-cancer properties, as it contains compounds that have been found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Anti-diabetic: Ulmus pumila has been used in traditional medicine to help regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, although more research is needed to fully understand its effects.
Digestive health: Ulmus pumila has been used in traditional medicine to help soothe digestive issues such as diarrhea and dysentery.
Respiratory health: Ulmus pumila has been used in traditional medicine to help treat respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, as it has been found to have bronchodilator properties.
Overall, while Ulmus pumila has potential medicinal properties, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential uses. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using Ulmus pumila or any other plant for medicinal purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
Ulmus pumila, also known as the Siberian Elm, has been found to have air purifying properties. Like other trees, Ulmus pumila helps to purify the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and other pollutants and releasing oxygen. Specifically, Ulmus pumila has been found to be effective at removing pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone from the air.
In addition to its air purifying properties, Ulmus pumila can also help to reduce noise pollution. Its leaves and branches can help to absorb sound waves and reduce noise levels in urban environments.
Other Uses
Some people use Ulmus pumila as a bonsai tree, as it is a hardy species that can be shaped and trained in various forms;
The leaves and twigs of the tree can be used as a source of food for livestock such as goats, sheep and cows;
The bark of the tree can be used as a source of fuel;
The wood of the tree is light, soft and flexible. It is used for making boxes, crates and other light wooden articles.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
In feng shui, trees are believed to have a positive influence on the energy, or qi, of a space. Ulmus pumila, also known as the Siberian Elm, is a hardy and resilient tree that is often used in landscaping and as a street tree. In feng shui, it is believed that Ulmus pumila can have the following benefits:
Provides stability: The strong and resilient nature of Ulmus pumila is said to help provide a sense of stability and grounding in a space. It can be especially beneficial when planted near a building or other structure.
Promotes growth: Trees in general are associated with growth and expansion, and Ulmus pumila is no exception. It is believed that planting this tree in a space can help to promote growth and progress in one's life.
Enhances prosperity: In feng shui, trees are also associated with prosperity and abundance. Planting Ulmus pumila in an area associated with wealth, such as the southeast corner of a home or office, is said to enhance prosperity.
Provides protection: The dense foliage of Ulmus pumila is believed to provide protection and shelter from negative energies and influences.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
In astrology, plants are not typically associated with specific zodiac signs in the same way that astrological signs are matched with elements, planets, and other symbols.
Plant Symbolism
In the Chinese culture, it is seen as a symbol of longevity, endurance and prosperity;
The Siberian elm is also a symbol of protection and security, which is why many people plant them around their homes for good luck and protection against negative energies;
The Siberian elm is also associated with renewal, since it is one of the few trees that can regrow from a single branch.

💧

1 - 2 times a week

Water

☀️

10000 - 20000 Lux

Light

💦️

40%

Humidity

🪴

Not needed

Repotting

🌱️

Spring

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Ulmus pumila, also known as the Siberian elm, prefers well-drained soil and should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. It is best to water the tree deeply and infrequently, rather than shallowly and frequently.
The frequency of watering will depend on factors such as the tree's size, the size of the container, the type of soil, and the local climate. In general, it's recommended to water the tree once or twice a week, or as needed to keep the soil consistently moist.
Light
Ulmus pumila is tolerant of a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. It prefers full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. It can grow well under the shade of other trees.
Temperature
Ulmus pumila is hardy to a wide range of temperatures, and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F to as high as 110°F and can also tolerate drought and high winds.
Pruning
Ulmus pumila is a hardy tree that can tolerate a lot of pruning. Pruning can help to control the size of the tree and promote healthy growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. You can remove dead or diseased wood, and thin out crowded branches to allow light to reach the interior of the tree. Also, remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.
Cleaning
Not needed
Soil
Ulmus pumila is a hardy tree that can tolerate a wide range of soils, but it prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It can grow in clay, sandy, or loamy soils and can tolerate alkaline or acidic soils. The ideal pH range for Ulmus pumila is between 6.0 and 7.5.
Repotting
It is an outdoor tree, so transplanting is not required.
Humidity & Misting
Ulmus pumila is a hardy tree that can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels.
It can tolerate dry conditions, but it prefers moderate to high humidity. If the humidity is low, you may need to mist the leaves regularly.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Not growing
- Outdoor
  Ulmus pumila is a hardy tree that is well-suited to a wide range of outdoor conditions.
  It can tolerate cold temperatures, drought, and high winds. To grow Ulmus pumila outdoors, it is best to plant it in a sunny spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
  The soil should be well-draining and fertile. Water the tree regularly, especially during dry periods.
  Fertilize the tree every spring with a balanced fertilizer. Prune the tree regularly to control its size and shape.
- Hardiness zone
  USDA 5 - 10
Life cycle
The life cycle of Ulmus pumila begins with a seed. The seed germinates in the spring and produces a small seedling. As the seedling grows, it develops a taproot and a few lateral roots. The leaves are small and simple, and are arranged alternately on the stem.
In the second year of growth, the tree begins to form a trunk and branches. The leaves become larger and the tree grows rapidly. By the third year, the tree reaches its full height and begins to produce flowers. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, but are important for reproduction.
After flowering, the tree produces small winged seeds that are dispersed by the wind. The seeds germinate in the spring and the cycle begins again. Ulmus pumila can live up to 30-50 years. It is a deciduous tree that lose its leaves in the fall and goes dormant in the winter.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring
- By SEEDS:
  The most common method is to collect the seeds from mature trees and sow them in a seedbed. The seeds should be sown in the fall and covered with a thin layer of soil. They will germinate in the spring and can be transplanted to their permanent location when they are large enough.
  By CUTTINGS:
  Another method is to take stem cuttings from the tree in the summer or fall. The cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy branches and be about 6-8 inches long. They should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept in a warm, humid location.
  By GRAFTING:
  Ulmus pumila can also be propagated by grafting. This method involves taking a cutting from the tree and attaching it to the rootstock of another tree. This is typically done by a professional and is a very precise and demanding method.
  By LAYERING:
  Layering is another propagation method. It is done by bending a branch of the tree to the ground and covering it with soil. The branch will eventually root and grow into a new tree.