# Cedar elm (Ulmus crassifolia)

> The toughest shade tree for Central Texas yards: an upright elm, 50-70 feet tall, with the smallest leaves of any native elm, corky-winged twigs and yellow fall color. It flowers and seeds in late summer and fall rather than spring. It shrugs off drought, heat, clay and compaction, which is why it is on nearly every Austin planting list.

Source: https://treerm.org/trees/ulmus-crassifolia · Updated 2026-11-08 · License CC BY 4.0

## Facts

- Also called: Texas elm, Fall elm
- Family: Ulmaceae
- Type: Broadleaf, loses its leaves in winter
- Mature height: 18 m; spread 12 m
- Growth: Medium growth
- USDA hardiness zones: 6 to 9
- Light: Sun or part shade
- Water: Low water
- Soil: Very adaptable: rocky limestone, heavy clay, poorly drained and moderately compacted soils all work
- Native range: Texas and Oklahoma east to Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, south into northeastern Mexico

**Benefits:** Shade, Fall color, Wildlife, Birds, Drought tolerant, Flood tolerant, Long lived

**Good for:** Street tree, Yard shade, parks

**Watch out for:** Allergenic pollen, Pest prone

## Care

Water deeply every week or two for the first two summers, then only in extended drought. Prune in winter to develop a single leader and raise the canopy. Watch for mistletoe, aphids and powdery mildew, none of which are usually serious. It is susceptible to Dutch elm disease but is rarely killed in Texas. Its pollen is a notable fall allergen.

## Where it stands

- **Native:** United States (Also native in: MO (USDA PLANTS distribution)); AR, United States; FL, United States; LA, United States; MS, United States; OK, United States; TN, United States; TX, United States
- **Recommended:** Austin, TX, United States (On the City of Austin Grow Green native and adapted plant list (Watershed Protection). Listed as 'Elm, Cedar'; very low water needs, tolerates poorly drained clay and compacted soils.); Dallas, TX, United States (On the City of Dallas Article X Approved Tree List); Houston, TX, United States (On the City of Houston Planning and Development Department Street Tree List)

## Sources

- https://plants.usda.gov/plant-profile/ULCR
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ULCR
- https://www.austintexas.gov/watershed-protection/plant-guide/elm-cedar
- https://www.treefolks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/NeighborWoodsTreeMenu-2026.pdf