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Siberian Elm

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Ulmus pumila

Class C Noxious Weed

This plant is widespread in the state and has been designated a Class C Noxious Weed by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture.
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Riparian Threat

This plant is known to invade riparian areas or otherwise damage the health and abundance of our water resources.
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Infrastructure Threat

This weed can cause damage to private and municipal structures. Vegetation may crack foundations and water pipes or damage roads/sidewalks.
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1. Overview
2. Identification
3. Infestation Basics
4. Management Strategies
5. Educational Video
6. References / Further Reading
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QUICK FACTS

  • Siberian elm is a hardy, fast-spreading weed commonly planted for its ability to tolerate marginal conditions and quick provision of shade.
  • It is a drain on local water resources; it hogs available soil moisture for itself, but sweats it out profusely during high temperatures.
  • Siberian elm contributes to loss of biodiversity, as it limits the amount of water available for other plants, resulting in an overall drier, harsher environment.
  • The roots and limbs of this hardy tree are common causes of property and structural damage; its roots can crack pipes and concrete, and its decaying limbs can fall from 70+ feet in the air.
  • Once established, it is very difficult to remove! Even after cutting it down, this tree can resprout from root suckers or from the cut stump itself.

1. Overview

family
 Ulmaceae– elms
origin
 Eurasian – Russia, Mongolia, Korea
life cycle
 Perennial
other names
 Chinese elm (misnomer), Asiatic elm, Dwarf elm

Love it or hate it, this tree is everywhere! Once popular as a landscape and ornamental tree, the Siberian elm is now a controversial fixture across New Mexican towns.

Far from its start in our nation as a purported miracle tree, Siberian elm inspires a mix of frustration and reticent appreciation from most folks today. Aside from its detrimental effects on native ecosystems and water resources, in many areas it has become a nuisance due to its prolific seeding and aggressive spread. Even where it was intentionally planted, many homeowners today are saddled with the labor and costs of removing this tenacious tree.

History of Siberian Elm

Siberian elm is native to northern China, eastern Siberia, Manchuria, and Korea and was first introduced into the United States as an ornamental in the 1860s, prized for its rapid growth and graceful form. Its remarkable tolerance of drought, extreme temperatures, and poor soils mirrors the arid landscapes of the American West, where it found an ideal niche free from the natural checks of its homeland. [3]

During the Dust Bowl and into the 1960s, farmers and planners across the Plains and Intermountain West planted Ulmus pumila in single‐row windbreaks to curb soil erosion and provide shelter for crops and livestock. In New Mexico, Governor Clyde Tingley used New Deal funds to establish public nurseries and distribute hundreds of thousands of Siberian elm seedlings to residents, transforming shadeless, drought‐prone corridors into tree‐lined streets. [2,4]

Beyond government programs, commercial nurseries and early railroad‐era seed catalogs touted Siberian elm as a “miracle” shade and hedge tree, selling it nationwide at low cost. By the 1970s, it had naturalized across much of the West, its wind‐dispersed samaras generating dense thickets that outcompeted native vegetation. Recognition of its invasive potential grew thereafter: Ulmus pumila is now listed as weedy or noxious in numerous states and is subject to removal or replacement programs that favor native alternatives. [3,4]

2. Identification

What does it look like?

Siberian elm is often mis-identified as “Chinese elm”, though these are different plants; Siberian elm’s is dark and furrowed, while Chinese elm has a smooth, splotchy bark. It’s also possible to mistake the young seedlings for our native alders (Alnus spp.); note that the Siberian elm’s leaves are always strictly alternate, while alders are more unevenly arranged. Having trouble identifying a weed? Contact us.

Key Features

  • Plant: Highly branching with an open crown; branches grow upwards, are flexible but brittle, and may easily break off as the tree ages; usually, a build-up of leaves and woody debris can be found under mature Siberian elms. This tree has been known to reach heights of 70 feet. [1,3]

    Roots: Siberian elm has a broad and shallow root system. If these trees are chopped down, they have the ability to regrow from the stump and roots. [1]

    Leaves: Always alternate on the branch, almond-shaped and tapered into a point at the end; leaf margins are mildly serrated or toothed. [1,3]

    Flowers: Siberian elm flowers are small and grow in compact, drooping clusters of two to five. They range in color from light green to reddish and do not have petals. These flowers typically bloom between March and May, before the leaves emerge. [1]

    Seeds: Papery, flat, light green to yellow in color; the main seed is encased between translucent “wings” called samara. [1,3]

Specimen view of Siberian elm seeds, showing flat round shape, yellow to light green color, and brown tip, papery texture

siberianelm-seeds

Siberian elm seeds are flat, small, and round- or oval-shaped; the main seed is surrounded by a thin papery wing, slightly translucent and light green to yellow or tan; distinctive brown tip

Siberian elm leaves growing alternate on a reddish stem

siberianelm-leaves2

Young stems and buds can sometimes have a reddish appearance

Three large Siberian elms planted along a parking lot

siberianelm-mature

Mature Siberian elms grow up to 70ft tall and are commonly planted as shade trees in urban settings.

Close-up on the trunk of a living Siverian elm to show the bark's deeply grooved texture and dark grey color

siberianelm-bark

The bark of Siberian elm is dark grey, deeply grooved with a rough texture, especially as it ages. Younger trees may have a more uniform texture composed of interlocking narrow plates.

20-30ft tall elm planted over a bench along a sidewalk

siberianelm-adult

Siberian elms are often intentionally planted as shade along walkways

Image of Siberian elm canopy branches growing through power lines and creating a hazardous situation in case of sparks or falling branches

siberianelm-hazard

This Siberian elm growing into power infrastructure creates an electrical hazard if the branches were to collapse or catch fire

Yellow Siberian elm leaves abundant on a thin branch

siberianelm-yellowleaves

Siberian elm leaves turn yellow in the fall

Siberian elm leaves alternate, egg- to lance-shaped, margins serrated, with light-colored veins

siberianelm-leaves

The leaves grow in alternate arrangement, they are egg-shaped but end in a lance-tip. Margins serrated, with light-colored veins

A young Siberian elm branch, seeds mid-way through developing out of the tiny inflorescences

siberianelm-developing

Siberian elm blossoms, once pollinated, develop into the winged seeds characteristic of the tree

Old dried up and yellowed Siberian elm seed lying on cement

siberianelm-dryseed

Siberian elm seeds germinate quickly in favorable conditions, but are otherwise short-lived and will dry up and lose viability if they aren’t able to germinate

Siberian elm branches bearing many clusters of seeds after flowers have been pollinated

siberianelm-seedclusters

Once pollinated in the spring, the inconspicuous flower clusters give way to the papery Siberian elm seeds we are so familiar with. They develop on the branch and await to be dispersed by wind or rain.

Clumps of abundant Siberian elm seed pods nestled between leaves

siberianelm-foliageseeds

Siberian elm is known for releasing prolific amounts of papery seed pods, which can become a nuisance in the urban settling

Close up of Siberian elm leaves

siberianelm-leaves

Siberian elm leaves are lance-shaped to oblong, alternate on the stem, 1-3 inches in length, with serrated or toothed margins

3. Infestation Basics

“Though Ulmus pumila is very drought tolerant, its root system is prone to invade tile sewers and heave pavements and curbs. Seeds are profusely produced in the spring, which cause both a mess and also a potential weed problem.”

–Donald J. Leopold, 1980

Why is it so invasive?

In its native range, Siberian elm grows in the deep valleys of steppes, where it can more easily reach the water table. It is kept in check in these landscapes as they usually cannot grow all the way up to the plateaus for lack of water.​

Siberian elm can be found across the US, thanks to its introduction in the 1860s. It has become a unique problem in the West, where it has encountered little competition. Siberian elm seedlings can appear anywhere the ground has been disturbed (or not), especially in areas with a high water table. Pastures, rangelands, roadsides, and railroads provide the open, sunny spaces necessary for the tree’s growth. [5]

Seeds will appear from March to May in the billions, quickly drying out toward late spring in order to blow across the countryside via a round papus. These seeds will take hold wherever they land and are ready to germinate the second they leave the tree. Aside from the seeds, the tree will grow new vegetation from its severed roots or stumps, making it particularly difficult to kill. Siberian elm owes its invasive success to a high adaptation to extremes such as dry or barren soil, or areas of extreme drought or cold winters. [1,3]

Key takeaway: Keep an eye out for young seedlings, as their first leaves are easy to identify and resemble miniature versions of adult leaves. Regularly monitor freshly disturbed and/or sunny areas.

Where does it grow and how does it spread?

Siberian elms can dominate an area very quickly under the right conditions, displacing desirable species, which include our native cottonwoods.

Dry to moderately moist prairies and banks of streams are particularly susceptible to invasion by Siberian elm. Seedlings quickly form dense thickets around trees that produce seeds, as well as in exposed areas, animal and insect mounds, and other disturbed sites. Winds can transport seeds over long distances, enabling new colonies to establish themselves. This resilient exotic thrives in conditions that many other species find difficult to endure, allowing it to exploit open spaces and resources that native plants would typically utilize. Rapidly growing Siberian elm seedlings easily outcompete native flora, particularly those species that cannot tolerate shade. This often results in further encroachment by additional weedy species, exacerbating the issue. [6,7]

Key takeaway: Siberian elms spread aggressively and outcompete native plants, especially in disturbed or open areas like prairies and stream banks. Monitor and manage areas vulnerable to invasion by removing young elms and promoting native species to prevent ecosystem disruption.

 

Common risk factors for invasion

  • Areas of neglect: This tree is often established in neglected or abandoned places, such as roadsides, railways, and vacant lots. These undisturbed spaces give it the time and opportunity to spread without competition or control. Regular monitoring and weed management in such areas can mitigate this risk.
  • Soil disturbance: Siberian elm loves to invade areas where soil has been disturbed, such as construction sites, tilled fields, or overgrazed pastures. This disruption weakens existing vegetation and allows the weed to become established. Minimizing unnecessary soil disturbance can help reduce the risk of invasion.
  • Riparian Areas: Seeds are easily carried by streams and may be subsequently deposited on river terraces. While Siberian elm does not tolerate flooding, being near streams or rivers allows the weed’s roots to reach the water table easily
  • Open spaces: Siberian elm favors open, sunny environments with little to no canopy cover, such as pastures, cultivated fields, and south-facing slopes. These conditions allow the weed to establish quickly and outcompete other plants. Maintaining healthy, large-leafed vegetation in these areas can help limit its spread.

Impacts

Water Resources

Those of us who live in dry and desert areas understand the paramount importance of water: how we use it and how we share it determines how much will be available to go around. This is even more true when it comes to plants, and in this regard, Siberian elm is a bad neighbor: greedy and wasteful.

Most plants have evolved to close their leaves’ “pores” (called stomata) in response to drought conditions as a means to conserve water Siberian elm has developed a different adaptation not to conserve water, but to keep cool in the heat: it sweats! That’s right, when exposed to drought, instead of closing up its pores, Siberian elm actually releases more water from its leaves as evaporation – all while continuing to pull more water from the surrounding areas.

Compared to other trees, Siberian elm has a very shallow, but wide-spreading root system. While most tree roots grow deep so as to penetrate and recharge the aquifer beneath, Siberian elm concentrates its roots along the first 1-3 feet of soil. This is the depth at which most understory plants like grasses and flowers are able to grow, and so they are significantly disadvantaged when they grow near a Siberian elm; as the elm grows, its roots can rapidly displace nearby vegetation, and make it harder for new plants to reach enough space, moisture, nutrients for its own roots.

For a desert plant, Siberian elm is a prolific water user, in part due to the inefficiency with which it utilizes available moisture. What its root system lacks in depth, it more than makes up for in spread, with water uptake occurring well beyond the tree’s canopy. In many cases, a Siberian elm planted in one property will affect water availability and plant growth in the adjacent properties as well.

Infrastructure Issues

Despite their many issues, Siberian elms are still beloved for the visual appeal and shade they provide to otherwise barren areas, and as such are ubiquitous in New Mexico’s urban and even rural landscapes. Back in the day, Siberian elms were planted indiscriminately, resulting in some very unfortunate placements. The trees tend to quickly outgrow their surroundings, with little regard for whatever else happens to be nearby.

Arborists will often describe trees like the Siberian elm as a from of job security, as homeowners across the state struggle with the issues that come with harboring these trees. The roots and branches of this tree are very tough; they do not struggle to break through even concrete and pavement if given enough time. They are known to grow through sewage pipes, and to crack through even asphalt roads and paved sidewalks!

Mature Siberian elms in particular can become a hazard as they continue to grow, impacting infrastructure such as power lines, sewage and water pipes, etc. The tree routinely sheds off sections of its canopy that aren’t getting access to sunlight anymore; the branches are heavy but the wood itself is quite brittle, causing large branches to snap off quite easily. Falling from trees up to 70 ft in height, they can do quite a lot of damage to whatever is around.

It is unfortunate that many Siberian elms are planted right next to residential structures, power lines, and other critical infrastructure. The damage can be quite expensive to fix, as the tree is tenacious and may be difficult to eradicate.

Public Health

Everyone who lives in the vicinity of these trees is familiar with the copious piles of seeds they produce every year. Another unwelcome sign of this tree’s reproductive cycle is the pollen, which is responsible for many unpleasant symptoms in the spring and summer. Some folks are particularly sensitive to elms.

4. Management Strategies

Controlling Siberian elm spread is best accomplished when the trees are not yet sprouted or still in the seedling stage and can still be pulled by hand.  Once established, removal becomes progressively more difficult with age.  For best success, clean up the seeds, and pull those that germinate while they are still young.

 

DO’s

  • Remove young trees promptly. Saplings grow quickly and establish deep roots. Remove them early to prevent spread.
  • Replace removed elms with appropriate local species to prevent soil erosion and discourage elm regrowth.
  • When cutting down mature trees, apply a systemic herbicide (like glyphosate or triclopyr) to the stump immediately to prevent regrowth.

DON’Ts

  • Plant Siberian elm as a windbreak or shade tree. Despite its tough nature, its brittle wood and invasiveness make it a poor long-term choice.
  • Ignore small saplings as even small trees can mature quickly and produce thousands of seeds annually.
  • Compost seeds or seedlings because their seeds are very viable and can spread easily if composted improperly.

** The following information is provided courtesy of the UC Weed Research and Information Center. The Taos Soil and Water Conservation District does not endorse the use of any particular product, brand, or application thereof. **

Controlling Siberian elm requires targeting its root system. Repeated mechanical disruption of its extensive rhizome network over several years in combination with targeted herbicides may fully deplete the tree’s deep‑rooted energy reserves and prevent regrowth.

Tilling/Hand-pulling, etc
 Girdling stems will kill trees; small trees can be removed with a weed wrench.

 

Prescribed burns
 Adults will resprout, but fire may kill saplings.

 

Information regarding chemical management strategies for this plant has been provided by the UC Weed Research and Information Center.

“The following specific use information is based on published papers and reports by researchers and land managers. Other trade names may be available, and other compounds also are labeled for this weed. Directions for use may vary between brands; see label before use. Herbicides are listed by mode of action and then alphabetically. The order of herbicide listing is not reflective of the order of efficacy or preference.”

Aminopyralid
(Milestone)
  • Rate: 5 to 7 oz product/acre (1.25 to 1.75 oz a.e./acre)
  • Timing: Postemergence in spring after all plants have fully emerged (some may be budding) until the oldest plants are in full flower stage. Use the higher rate when applying to flowering plants. Applications are also effective in fall before a killing frost. Use higher rates for older/dense stands or for longer residual control.
  • Remarks: May need retreatment for 1 to 2 additional years. Aminopyralid is one of the most effective herbicides for the control of Canada thistle. It is safe on grasses, although preemergence application at high rates can greatly suppress invasive annual grasses, such as medusahead. Aminopyralid has a longer residual and higher activity than clopyralid. Other members of the Asteraceae and Fabaceae are very sensitive to aminopyralid.
    Other premix formulations of aminopyralid can also be used for Canada thistle control. These include Opensight (aminopyralid + metsulfuron; 2.5 to 3 oz product/acre) and Forefront HL (aminopyralid + 2,4-D; 1.5 to 2.1 pt product/acre), both applied at the rosette to bolting stages. The formulation with metsulfuron is not registered for use in California.
Clopyralid
(Transline)
  • Rate: 0.67 to 1.33 pt product/acre (4 to 8 oz a.e./acre)
  • Timing: Postemergence before the bud stage when most of the basal leaves have emerged. Fall applications are also effective.
  • Remarks: One or more treatments per season may be needed for 1 to 3 consecutive years for complete control. Allow at least 20 days after application before disturbing treated areas. While clopyralid is very safe on grasses, it will injure many members of the Asteraceae, particularly thistles, and can also injure legumes, including clovers. Most other broadleaf species and all grasses
    are not injured. Also applied in a premix with triclopyr (Redeem, 2.5 to 4 pt product/acre) to rosette to bud stage Canada thistle.
Dicamba
(Banvel)
  • Rate: 4 pt product/acre (2 lb a.e./acre)
  • Timing: Postemergence to rosettes. Fall applications are also effective.
  • Remarks: Dicamba is a broadleaf-selective herbicide often combined with other active ingredients. It is not typically used alone to control Canada thistle because it is not as effective as other
    herbicides such as aminopyralid, clopyralid or aminocyclopyrachlor.
    Dicamba is available mixed with diflufenzopyr in a formulation called Overdrive. This has been reported to be effective on Canada thistle. Diflufenzopyr is an auxin transport inhibitor which
    causes dicamba to accumulate in shoot and root meristems, increasing its activity. Overdrive is applied postemergence at 4 to 8 oz product/acre to rapidly growing plants. Higher rates should be used when treating perennial weeds. Add a non-ionic surfactant to the treatment solution at 0.25% v/v or a methylated seed oil at 1% v/v solution.
Picloram
(Tordon 22K)
  • Rate: 2 pt product/acre (8 oz a.e./acre).
  • Timing: Best when applied postemergence to rapidly growing thistle after most leaves emerge but before bud stage. Fall applications are also effective.
  • Remarks: Picloram gives a broader spectrum of control than aminopyralid, aminocyclopyrachlor, and clopyralid, and has much longer soil residual activity. Most broadleaf plants are susceptible. Although well-developed grasses are not usually injured by labeled use rates, some applicators have noted that young grass seedlings with fewer than four leaves may be killed. Do not apply near trees. Tordon 22K is a federally restricted use pesticide. Picloram is not registered for use in
    California.
2,4-D
(Several brand names)
  • Rate: 2 qt product/acre (1.9 lb a.e./acre)
  • Timing: Postemergence in spring at the pre-bud to early bud stage.
  • Remarks: Control with 2,4-D alone is only temporary; therefore, it is commonly mixed with other growth regulator herbicides. Research from Colorado showed control from a spring 2,4-D application followed by fall application with different herbicides. 2,4-D is broadleaf-selective and has no soil activity. Do not apply ester formulation when outside temperatures exceed 80°F.
Aminocyclopyrachlor +
chlorsulfuron
(Perspective)
  • Rate: 4.75 to 8 oz product (Perspective)/acre
  • Timing: Postemergent to plants before they produce seed.
  • Remarks: Perspective provides broad-spectrum control of many broadleaf species. Although generally safe to grasses, it may suppress or injure certain annual and perennial grass species. Do not treat in the root zone of desirable trees and shrubs. May need retreatment for 1 to 2 additional years. Do not apply more than 11 oz product/acre per year. At this high rate, cool-season grasses will be damaged, including bluebunch wheatgrass. Not yet labeled for grazing lands. Add an adjuvant to the spray solution. This product is not approved for use in California and some counties of Colorado (San Luis Valley).
Glyphosate
(Roundup, Accord XRT II, others)
  • Rate: Broadcast foliar treatment: 2 qt product (Roundup ProMax)/acre (2.25 lb a.e./acre). Spot treatment: 2% v/v solution
  • Timing: Postemergence to rapidly growing thistles when most plants are past the bud stage. Fall applications must be before the first killing frost.
  • Remarks: Do not tank-mix other herbicides with glyphosate for thistle control. More than 1 year of treatment may be necessary for complete control. Glyphosate will only provide control during the year of application; it has no soil activity and will not kill seeds or inhibit germination the following season. Glyphosate is nonselective. To achieve selectivity, it can be applied using a wiper or spot treatment to control current year’s plants.
Chlorsulfuron
(Telar)
  • Rate: 1 to 1.33 oz product/acre (0.75 to 1 oz a.i./acre)
  • Timing: Postemergence from bolting to bloom stages. Can also apply in fall.
  • Remarks: Chlorsulfuron has mixed selectivity on both broadleaf and grass species but is generally safe on most grasses. It has fairly long soil residual activity. The herbicide solution requires constant agitation during application.
Imazapyr
(Arsenal, Habitat, Stalker, Chopper, Polaris)
 The herbicide label indicates that 4 to 6 pt product/acre gives some level of control, but imazapyr is not usually the herbicide of choice for the control of Canada thistle.
Sulfometuron
(Oust and others)
  • Rate: 6 to 8 oz product/acre (4.5 to 6 oz a.i./acre)
  • Timing: Apply preemergence or early postemergence before or during the rainy season when weeds are germinating or actively growing.
  • Remarks: Sulfometuron has mixed selectivity. It can cause minor damage to some native perennial grasses and has a fairly long soil residual. Higher rates may increase control but will also give more bare ground. Requires 20 inches of annual rainfall or more for effective preemergence control.

NMSU’s Extension Weed Specialist Dr. Leslie Beck & ISA Certified Arborist Ben Wright on Siberian elm

This video is specific to Siberian elm in Taos County and was the result of a collaboration between Taos Soil & Water Conservation District and New Mexico State University. Special thanks to Ben Wright, vice-chair of the Taos Tree Board, for contributing his expertise on the topic as a featured guest.

6. References & Further Reading

References

  • [1] Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila).” Minnesota DNR, https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/woody/siberianelm.html. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

    [2] Citters, Van. “A Brief History of Urban Trees in New Mexico.” Groundwork Studio, June 2019, groundworkstudionm.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/A-Brief-History-of-Urban-Trees-in-NM.pdf.

    [3] Natural Resources Conservation Service. “Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila).” Plant Fact Sheet, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 30 May 2006, https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/factsheet/pdf/fs_ulpu.pdf

    [4] Wright, Ben. “Why Is Siberian Elm in New Mexico?” ThinkTrees New Mexico, 2017, www.thinktreesnm.org/wp-content/uploads/2017-WRIGHT-Why-Is-Siberian-Elm-in-NM.pdf.

    [5] Colorado State University, Colorado Department of Agriculture. “Siberian Elm Identification and Management.” Ag.colorado.gov, 2023, drive.google.com/file/d/1oeyToyuwZeN4kkhmoZKxebsBifA45nWT/view. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

    [6] USFS. Field Guide for Managing Siberian Elm in the Southwest. 2014. https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5410128.pdf

    [7] USFS. “Weed of the Week Siberian Elm Ulmus Pumila L.”https://www.invasive.org/weedcd/pdfs/wow/siberian-elm.pdf. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

    Clumps of abundant Siberian elm seed pods nestled between leaves

    Photo (c) Tom DeGomez, University of Arizona, Bugwood.org

    Clumps of abundant Siberian elm seed pods nestled between leaves

    Washington Nursery Co., et al. Bulletin and Price List. Washington Nursery Co, 1930, https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/56054912.

    Siberian elm leaves alternate, egg- to lance-shaped, margins serrated, with light-colored veins

    Photo (c) blaze708, via iNaturalist

    Young Siberian elm trees growing on a dry substrate

    Photo (c) jacob_whit via iNaturalist

    Did you know?

    The young, green samaras of Siberian elm can be used as a tasty addition to salads. These seeds can be eaten raw before they dry out and have a gentle, nutty flavor. While you probably won’t be able to eat enough to make a difference, at least there is some good to be gleaned from this invasive tree. [4]

    (Note: Do not consume any plant without proper identification or where herbicide may have been applied)

    Siberian elm growing as a tall bush next to school or office building

    Photo (c) k11ra, via iNaturalist