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COMMENDATION™ elm

Ulmus 'Morton Stalwart'

Common names:
COMMENDATION™ elm

Content Detail

This fast-growing cultivar is extremely tolerant of drought and cold. The COMMENDATION™ elm is resistant to Dutch elm disease (DED) but moderately susceptible to insect problems, notably elm leaf beetle, Japanese beetle, and gypsy moth. Use along streets and in large yards. The Morton Arboretum introduced this cultivar through Chicagoland Grows®.

  • Family (English) Elm
  • Family (botanic) Ulmaceae
  • Planting site City parkway, Residential and parks, Restricted sites, Wide median
  • Tree or plant type Tree
  • Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
  • Native locale Non-native
  • Size range Large tree (more than 40 feet)
  • Mature height 50-60 feet
  • Mature width 40-50 feet
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
  • Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
  • Tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil, Dry sites, Occasional drought, Road salt, Wet sites
  • Season of interest early fall, mid fall
  • Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
  • Shape or form Oval, Vase-shaped
  • Growth rate Fast
  • Transplants well Yes
  • Wildlife Migrant birds
  • Has cultivars NA

Native geographic location and habitat:

This tree is of hybrid origin.

Bark color and texture:

Bark is gray, ridged, and furrowed.

Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture:

Alternate leaves with toothed edges are a shiny dark green in summer. Fall color is yellow.

Flower arrangement, shape, and size:

Flowers are green and inconspicuous, appearing in early spring.

Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions:

Seeds are enclosed in a flat, circular wing.

Plant care:

Prefers a moist, well-drained soil. Do not prune elm trees between mid-April and mid-October to avoid transmission of Dutch Elm Disease.

List of pests, diseases, tolerances and resistance:

May be attacked by spongy moth (formerly known as gypsy moth), Japanese beetle, and elm leaf beetle. Very good resistance to Dutch elm disease and resistance to elm yellows.

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