Tree
Cedar Elm
Ulmus crassifolia
The tough native elm of Texas: fine-textured shade, heat and drought tolerant.
- Native
Quick facts
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 6–9
- Water
- Low once established
- Sun
- Full sun to Part sun
- Size
- 40–60 ft tall × 30–50 ft wide
- Bloom & interest
- Small, rough leaves casting fine-textured shade; golden fall color
- Plant type
- Tree
- Native range
- Native to Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi
Why we recommend it
A durable native shade tree that handles Texas heat, drought, clay and alkaline soils, with good urban tolerance and golden fall color.
Best regions: TexasGreat Plains
How to grow it
Watering to establish
Deep-water every 1–2 weeks the first two summers; established trees need deep soaks only in drought.
Pruning
Structural pruning in late winter to develop good branch spacing.
Soil
Adaptable to clay, limestone and alkaline soils.
Pairs well with
Read more
Where to buy
Shop Cedar Elm from trusted growers. For the best selection of xeric plants, try a mail-order specialist or ask a local independent nursery.
- High Country Gardens (opens in a new tab)Xeric specialist
- Nature Hills Nursery (opens in a new tab)Wide selection
- American Meadows (opens in a new tab)Perennials & seeds
- Etsy (opens in a new tab)Small growers
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