Evergreen Elm
Ulmus parvifolia
A compact, semi-evergreen shade tree with attractive mottled bark and a graceful, rounded canopy.
Very cold hardy to near 0°F with excellent heat tolerance, from low to high desert; semi-evergreen.
AMWUA Notes
Low water; a tough, adaptable shade tree with attractive exfoliating bark.
Care Guide
Deep-soak every 1-2 weeks in summer and less in winter; drought tolerant once established.
Prune young trees to space scaffolds and prevent weak, included-bark crotches on this fast grower; thin the dense canopy in late winter.
Light feeding; apply iron for chlorosis if needed.
More resistant than other elms, though elm leaf beetle is possible; avoid wet soil that invites Texas root rot.
Small fragrant flowers in fall; semi-evergreen, briefly deciduous in cold, with ornamental mottled bark.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Adaptable, well-draining loam or native soil; tolerates caliche, clay, and alkaline pH 7.5–8.5
Needs moderate soil.
Low feeder.
Grown from seed or cuttings; named forms rooted from cuttings
30–40 ft
Vigorous, spreading roots can lift paving; keep 15–20 ft from pools, foundations, and hardscape
Placement Tips
- •Though often sold as compact, established trees develop a broad 25-40 ft canopy, so site accordingly.
- •Keep 15-20 ft from foundations and pools because of roots and leaf litter.
- •Prune early to avoid weak forks and included bark on this fast grower.
- •Full sun; showcase the handsome exfoliating mottled bark.
Features
Best Uses
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
Love Evergreen Elm? Our landscape team sources from wholesale nurseries and can incorporate it into your design.
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Use this care guide to maintain your Evergreen Elm. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Evergreen Elm — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Evergreen Elm need in Phoenix?
Evergreen Elm is a low-water tree once established. Deep-soak every 1-2 weeks in summer and less in winter; drought tolerant once established. Low water; a tough, adaptable shade tree with attractive exfoliating bark.
How big does Evergreen Elm get?
Expect roughly 40 ft tall and 40 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 30–40 ft of spacing when planting. Vigorous, spreading roots can lift paving; keep 15–20 ft from pools, foundations, and hardscape.
Can you plant Evergreen Elm near a pool?
Yes. Evergreen Elm is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated seasonal.
Can Evergreen Elm handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Evergreen Elm is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Very cold hardy to near 0°F with excellent heat tolerance, from low to high desert; semi-evergreen. Small fragrant flowers in fall; semi-evergreen, briefly deciduous in cold, with ornamental mottled bark.
Does Evergreen Elm have thorns?
No. Evergreen Elm is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Evergreen Elm safe around pets?
Evergreen Elm is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Evergreen Elm bloom in Arizona?
Evergreen Elm blooms in spring, with green flowers. The flowers are fragrant.
How much maintenance does Evergreen Elm need?
Evergreen Elm is moderate-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated seasonal. Prune young trees to space scaffolds and prevent weak, included-bark crotches on this fast grower; thin the dense canopy in late winter.
What kind of soil does Evergreen Elm need?
Adaptable, well-draining loam or native soil; tolerates caliche, clay, and alkaline pH 7.5–8.5. Nutrient needs are low. Light feeding; apply iron for chlorosis if needed.
Is Evergreen Elm native to Arizona?
No. Evergreen Elm is not an Arizona native; it originates from the China, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.