Eliminating Siberian Elm

The Siberian Elm, also known as a Chinese Elm, is native to eastern Asia and was introduce to the United States in the 1860s to be used for its fast growth and hardiness. It commonly functions as a shelter belt or windbreak tree. It is now recognized in areas across the United States as an invasive plant.

What To Look For

• Small to medium size tree and bushy
• Grows up to 30-70 feet tall with trunks up to 32" in diameter
• Leaves are less than 3" long and are dark green in color
• Produces green-like flowers without petals in the Spring. These flowers appear in tight clusters of 2-5 blossoms.
• Fruit from the tree appears flat and circular. These also appear in clusters that are tan in color. Each fruit contains a single seed.

Where It Can Be Found

• Disturbed soil in areas such as pastures or meadows
• It can grow in poor soil and with low moisture
• Commonly seen near road-sides and on prairies
• It is drought and cold resistant, which allows it to grow in areas other trees cannot

Map of Siberian Elm territory in the US. (Courtesy of https://www.eddmaps.org)

Threats

• The large amount of seeds each tree produces can be easily spread by the wind, which allows it to spread quickly.
• Since it can spread quickly, it can take over a disturbed prairie in as little as a few years, if it is not maintained.
• It forms dense thickets and disturbs native vegetation. This can reduce vegetation for livestock and wild animals.

Solution

Vegetation management is required to eliminate this invasive species. Using a mechanical solution, such as Diamond’s Skid-Steer Rotary Mower or Forestry Mulcher, is fast, efficient, and extremely effective.

Watch the Diamond Skid-Steer Forestry Disc Mulcher in Action below: