Identify Invasive Trees - Siberian Elm

In this video, we show you how to identify Siberian elm, Ulmus pumila. We discuss how to tell it apart from U.S. native elms, including American and slippery elms (U. americana and U. rubra) and from lacebark elm (U. parvifolia). Lacebark elm is non-native and may also be showing signs of invasiveness in some areas, but it is not as common out of cultivation as Siberian elm. We also discuss hybridization concerns between Siberian elm and certain native species.
For more information, visit the Siberian elm profile page: woodyinvasives...

[@gregr1672]

Nice video ,good job explaining the Siberian Elm! Here in Western Pa in the woods there are a lot of Elm .American Elm is the most dominant Elm I find here. I am in the woods cutting downed trees most of the year and I find some trees that I know are Elm, but they have some very different characteristics .Sometimes the trees have big branches that the wood is twisty and gnarly on part of the tree and other parts more traditional like American Elm! I have been told there are some strange mixtures of elm from the attempts to grow more disease resistance trees. The most prominent characteristic I use to identify American Elm is the Obvious Rays in the grain of the cut firewood rounds . I call it faux Oak because I has confused me many times until I see the wavy growth rings and obvious Rays.

[@scottchristensen4081]

I live in San Antonio, and the most common elm throughout Texas is something called cedar elm. The cedar elm has the smallest leaves of any elm, are single toothed, and are a native tree of Texas, but I don't see many of them outside of the state. The Siberian and the Chinese elm leaves look very similar to the cedar elm when they are young, but cedar elm leaves turn very rough. Personally, I am very fond of the cedar elm, and while the Siberian elm is a relatively pretty tree, I have no interest in planting them or Chinese elm because I almost always stick to native species. If you're in Texas, plant cedar elm!

[@bryanelwood5121]

Thank you for this video. I believe you are spot on. I am still debating whether or not to cut it down or keep it. I agree it's invasive, but so are varieties of Cottonwood and Eucalyptus . It all depends on the location and circumstance.

[@midwestinvasiveplantnetwor7029]

Location and circumstance definitely factor into plant behavior, however while cottonwood can be aggressive, it is native our region, so is not considered an invasive plant. One of the concerning things about Siberian elm, is not just that it's non-native and spreads rapidly, but it's potential to hybridize with native slippery elm, creates a conservation concern.

[@WildOutdoorLiving]

I believe this is what we have on our property. I have read elsewhere that they do sprout from the roots and ours definitely do. It’s a constant battle. Perhaps we have a slightly different hybrid. We are in Arizona for reference.

[@jaredtandle2596]

Said it doesn't shoot more saplings out of its roots? We cut something down that was "dead" and it's sprouting all over now.

[@midwestinvasiveplantnetwor7029]

If you'd like to share some photos, I'd be happy to take a look at what's happening.

[@bobcuster8930]

Clar- Nice overview! Out West, in Nevada, Siberian Elms are great- they are fast growing, and very drought resistant..Siberian Elms need good tree care.

[@dsertwq]

Is there a way to kill it so the root dies for certain? Instead of trying to pull it out I which case I may not get the entire root?

[@midwestinvasiveplantnetwor7029]

If you want to pursue chemical control rather than manual, foliar, cut stump, basal bark, and application of herbicide to a girdle are effective on this species. Foliar applications should only be conducted when plants are fully leafed out and are likely restricted to sites with few desirable plants. Basal bark treatment can be used on trees of intermediate size (

[@elzorrodorito]

These are everywhere where I live, I don’t think control is possible

[@joeanderson8839]

I think I have a Siberian Elm. But it does sucker from the roots. Maybe it is a hybrid. It is very large and beautiful. We live in a beautiful forested area of middle Georgia. The tree is in our open pasture. It is the only one of its kind I can find on our property or surrounding woods. I have been looking for American and Slippery Elm, but I haven't found any yet.

[@ADVNevada]

I have them on my property, no way I would remove them. lots of shade and pretty drought tolerant.

[@user-ij7ow2ti8k]

Terrible shade the leaves are too small

[@tinman2420]

if the devil was a tree it would be a siberian elm.

[@bridgetveralidaine3761]

I'd put my vote in for it being one of those exploding dynamite trees.