Content Detail

The Prospector elm is a hybrid of Asian elm species. It is smaller than the American elm and exhibits excellent resistance to Dutch elm disease (DED) and elm leaf beetle. This fast-growing tree needs regular pruning to maintain its vase form. Its leaves emerge orange-red and mature to green. Fall color is a brilliant yellow. Useful as street, parkway, or shade tree.

  • 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 40-50 feet
  • Mature width 20-25 feet
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10
  • Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
  • Tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil, Dry sites, Occasional drought, Occasional flooding, Wet sites
  • Season of interest early fall, mid fall
  • Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
  • Shape or form Vase-shaped
  • Growth rate Fast
  • Transplants well Yes
  • Wildlife Migrant birds
  • Has cultivars NA

Native geographic location and habitat:

Prospector elm is of hybrid origin.

Bark color and texture:

Bark is gray, ridged, and furrowed.

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

Alternate leaves have toothed edges. Color is a shiny, dark green in summer and yellow in fall. 

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:

The Prospector elm prefers a moist, well-drained soil. Do not prune elm trees between mid-April and mid-October.

List of pests, diseases, tolerances and resistance:

European elm flea weevil is a minor problem and wetwood can occur. Excellent resistance to Dutch elm disease, elm yellows, and elm leaf beetle.

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