Overview of Ulmus crassifolia Nutt.
Ulmus crassifolia Nutt. is a tree species belonging to the family Ulmaceae. The tree, commonly known as the Texas cedar elm, is native to the United States, specifically located in the southern states of Oklahoma, Texas, Mississippi and surrounding areas.
Appearance
The Texas cedar elm can grow up to a height of 70 ft and a width of 50 ft. Its leaves are dark green, ovate, and have a slightly rough surface, which grows to approximately 2 inches long by 1 inch wide. The bark on the younger branches is gray while the mature trunks have a dusty orange to brown bark that undergoes a corky, irregular texture as the tree ages.
Common Names
The Texas cedar elm is commonly known as the basket elm, cedar elm, southern rock elm, scrub elm, or lime elm. Its scientific name, Ulmus crassifolia, is referred to as ‘Ulmus’ after the Latin name for elm and ‘crassifolia,’ which translates to ‘thick-leaved.’ The name cedar elm is due to its use by Native American tribes to make cedar chests.
Uses
The Texas cedar elm is a popular shade tree for landscapes and is used to make furniture, cabinetry, and various wood products. Moreover, given its capacity for handling drought and providing shade, it is considered an excellent species for urban areas and can also be utilized for windbreaks and cover for wildlife. The tree is also useful for honey production as bees use its flowers to make honey.
Although the Texas cedar elm is susceptible to Dutch Elm disease, it is generally resistant to many other elm tree diseases. It grows in almost any soil type and is ideal for temperate climates.
Light Requirements:
Ulmus crassifolia Nutt. thrives in full sunlight environments. It tolerates partial shade but requires at least six hours of direct sunlight to grow properly.
Temperature Requirements:
Ulmus crassifolia Nutt. performs well in warm to hot temperatures. The plant requires a minimum temperature of 50°F to grow, but optimal growth occurs between 70°F to 90°F. High humidity, coupled with high temperatures, promotes the growth of this plant.
Soil Requirements:
The Ulmus crassifolia Nutt. grows best in well-drained soils. The soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter. The pH levels of the soil should ideally range from 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can also tolerate slightly alkaline to slightly acidic soil. The root systems of this tree can penetrate deep and wide, so providing plenty of space and nutrients is necessary for its growth.
Cultivation Methods for Ulmus crassifolia Nutt.
Ulmus crassifolia Nutt. commonly referred to as Texas Cedar Elm, is a tree species native to Texas and Oklahoma in the United States. It is a perfect choice for gardeners who like a low-maintenance tree. It is best suited to be grown in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9. Here are the cultivation methods required to grow this tree successfully:
- Plant the tree in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, but it prefers sandy loam soil.
- Ulmus crassifolia prefers full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain its vibrant color and strong structure.
- The tree is drought-resistant, and regular watering will aid its growth. However, it can survive in dry soil conditions once it has matured.
- Plant the Ulmus crassifolia sapling during the fall or winter. New trees planted in the summer may be more susceptible to sun damage or dehydration.
- The spacing between each sapling should be 15 to 20 feet to allow for proper growth and development.
Watering Needs for Ulmus crassifolia Nutt.
The Texas Cedar Elm requires little maintenance in terms of watering. This tree species is drought-resistant but requires regular watering for optimal growth. Here are three tips on how to water Ulmus crassifolia Nutt.:
- Water the tree deeply rather than frequently. Deep watering provides the tree with enough water to penetrate the roots and keeps it hydrated for a more extended period.
- Ulmus crassifolia trees require an inch of water every week to ensure optimal growth.
- It's best to water this tree species early in the morning or later in the day to avoid evaporation of the water in the soil.
Fertilization for Ulmus crassifolia Nutt.
Fertilizing the Texas Cedar Elm is not required. However, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer during the early spring to enhance its growth rate. Here are some tips to help in fertilizing Ulmus crassifolia Nutt.:
- Use a balanced fertilizer with equal ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- When fertilizing the Ulmus crassifolia sapling, ensure you spread the fertilizer on the soil around the tree's trunk.
- Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for application rates as over-fertilization may result in burning the tree roots and damaging the tree.
Pruning Ulmus crassifolia Nutt.
The Texas Cedar Elm is a low-maintenance tree that requires little pruning. Pruning usually enhances the tree's structure, removes weak or damaged limbs, and enhances its overall appearance. Here are some tips for pruning Ulmus crassifolia Nutt.:
- Prune the tree during the early spring when the tree is leafless to enhance visibility of the tree's structure, and you can quickly identify broken or damaged branches.
- Use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the tree during pruning.
- Remove all the damaged, weak, or diseased branches by cutting them close to the tree trunk or main branch.
- Avoid over-pruning the Ulmus crassifolia tree as it may lead to reduced growth and overall health of the tree.
Propagation of Ulmus crassifolia Nutt.
Ulmus crassifolia Nutt., also known as the cedar elm, can be propagated by several methods. It is a popular tree for landscaping and reforestation projects, and propagation is an important factor in its cultivation.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation for Ulmus crassifolia is through seeds. The seeds are produced in the late spring and early summer and can be collected in the fall. The seeds should be sown in the fall or early winter, as they need a period of cold stratification to break dormancy.
The seeds should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and covered with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and place the container in a cool (40-50°F) location. The seeds will germinate in the spring when temperatures warm.
Cuttings
Ulmus crassifolia can also be propagated by cuttings. Softwood cuttings taken in the summer have a higher success rate than hardwood cuttings taken in the fall. The cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and should include a few leaves.
Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Cover the container with a plastic bag to create a humid environment and place it in a location with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
Air Layering
Air layering is a propagation method in which a portion of a branch is induced to form roots while still attached to the parent plant. Air layering is a particularly useful method for propagating large trees with thick branches.
To air layer Ulmus crassifolia, select a branch that is at least 1 inch in diameter and remove a 1-2 inch ring of bark from the branch. Scrape away some of the cambium layer to expose the inner bark. Wrap the exposed area with damp sphagnum moss and then wrap it with plastic wrap to hold the moss in place.
Keep the area moist and in bright, indirect light. Roots will develop within 4-8 weeks. Once the roots have developed, cut the branch below the rooted portion and plant it in a well-draining soil mix.
Propagation of Ulmus crassifolia can be done through these methods in order to increase its availability as well as to maintain and protect the genetic integrity of the existing population.
Disease Management
Ulmus crassifolia Nutt. is susceptible to several diseases each with distinct symptoms and modes of control. The commonly occurring diseases include:
- Dutch Elm Disease (DED): This is a fungal disease that is spread by elm bark beetles. The common symptoms include yellowing and wilting of leaves and dieback of branches. It can be managed by controlling beetle populations through insecticides.
- Phloem Necrosis: This is a bacterial disease that causes yellowing, wilting, and drooping of leaves. The affected tree can be managed by removing the infected tree immediately to prevent the spread to other trees.
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes leaf drop, premature defoliation, and twig dieback. The disease can be controlled by using fungicides containing triadimefon, triadimenol, or propiconazole.
Pest Management
Ulmus crassifolia Nutt. can be prone to various pests, and their control depends on the mode of feeding and the severity of damage. The common pests include:
- Elm Leaf Beetle: This insect feeds on the leaves reducing the tree's ability to produce food. Its control involves the application of insecticides containing carbaryl or bifenthrin.
- Aphids: They are sap-sucking insects that cause a reduction in plant growth. They can be control by introducing biological control agents such as ladybugs or lacewings to eat them, or using insecticidal soaps to control their populations.
- Mites: These pests feed on the leaves, leading to yellowing and eventually defoliation. Their populations can be controlled by using natural predators such as Phytoseiulus persimilis, or acaricides containing abamectin or bifenthrin.
