Description

Leaves: Alternate; simple; ovate to ovate-lanceolate; 2" to 4" long; deciduous; serrate margin; long acuminate apex; base uneven; glabrous or slightly rough above; glabrous beneath; light, dull green; "nipple galls" or green bumps often occur on underside of leaves; petiole up to 1/2" long.

Twigs/buds: Twigs slender; zigzag; red-brown; pith chambered.  No terminal bud; lateral buds small, pointed, pressed against the twig.

Flowers/fruit: Polygamo-monoecious.  Fruit a drupe; 1/4" in diameter; round; dark-purple; one per stem; on stalks 1/2" to 3/4" long; flesh edible; ripen in September or October.

Bark: Gray-brown; smooth when young; develops characteristic corky warts or ridges when older; eventually becomes scaly.

Wood: Moderately important; sapwood pale yellow to green-yellow; heartwood yellow to light brown; growth rings distinct; ring-porous; rays visible to the naked eye; often sold as elm.

General: Native from the Great Plains east through most of the eastern U.S., excluding the extreme southeast; not Utah.  Prefers moist, rich soils.  Intermediate shade tolerance and will survive partial shade from other trees.

Landscape Use: This is one of the best non-native trees for planting throughout Utah.  It has a medium-fast growth rate, a very nice canopy form, unusual bark, and is adapted to moderate drought, heat, wind, and high soil pH.  Fruit is not a problem since it dries or is eaten by birds before dropping and trees do not bear heavily.  Often used in windbreaks but also good as a large landscape tree for specimen use, in parks, or along streets.  Has proven itself in Utah and should be planted much more; becoming easier to get.  Zones 2-9.

Cultivars: 'Chicagoland', 'Delta', 'Prairie Pride', 'Windy City'.

Characteristics