The Cedar Elm is a Texas native. It is the most common elm of Texas. Found in East Texas, the Cedar Elm grows best along riverbanks and lakes because of its appreciation of deep, rich soil. The Cedar Elm is adaptable to dry, hot places with adequate drainage. Therefore, it is ideal for any landscape throughout Texas.
The small, green leaves of the tree emerge as a bright green color and change to a darker green as the tree emerges. They turn yellow in the fall. The branches of the Cedar Elm have a flat, cork-ridge on both sides. In the fall, the red-brown to red-green flowers of the tree are not noticeable. They are wind pollinated. The fruits of the tree are abundant and fall with the leaves in winter.
The Cedar Elm is a maintenance-free tree. It is tolerant of many hostile conditions. It is important to note, however, that the seeds can easily germinate. Therefore, pulling or mowing saplings can be a regular required task to avoid growth.
