3 Common Elm Trees In Kansas (Photos & Identification)
Kansas, located in the heart of the United States, has a diverse range of trees that adorn its landscapes. Among the most common and beloved trees in this region are the majestic elms. Elm trees are true symbols of strength and beauty, with their sturdy trunks, sprawling branches, and graceful leaves.
Elm trees have a distinct appearance that makes them stand out in any setting. Even from a distance, their tall, slender trunks and distinct vase-shaped crowns make them easily identifiable.
In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the three most common elm trees in Kansas.
1. American Elm
- Scientific Name: Ulmus americana
- Common Name(s): American Elm, White Elm
- Mature Height: 80-100 feet (24-30 meters)
- Native Region: North America
- Flowers: Inconspicuous, brownish-green clusters appearing in the early spring
- Fruit: Flat, round samaras that mature in the spring
- Uses: Shade tree, ornamental tree, timber for furniture and veneer, important for preventing soil erosion
The American Elm, scientifically known as Ulmus americana, is a huge and stately tree that is abundant in Kansas settings. The American Elm, which can grow to be 80-100 feet tall, stands tall and intimidating, with a broad and vase-shaped crown. It has oval leaves with coarse and double-serrated margins that add to its aesthetic attractiveness. The bark of the American Elm is grey and heavily furrowed, giving the trunk a visually attractive texture.
The American Elm is a North American native with a vast native range that extends from the Atlantic coast to the Great Plains region. It thrives in both urban and rural areas and is well-suited to Kansas’ climate and soil conditions. The American Elm is adaptable to a wide range of environments, including swamps and floodplains, highland forests, and even temporary flooding.
In the early spring, the American Elm produces inconspicuous clusters of small, brownish-green blooms. While not particularly attractive, these blossoms are a vital source of pollen for bees and other pollinators in the early season. The American Elm releases flat, round samaras, sometimes known as winged seeds, as the spring progresses, which mature and are distributed by the wind.
In terms of growth requirements, the American Elm is a sturdy and resilient tree that can survive urban areas as well as a wide range of soil conditions. It grows best in full sun but may take little shade. The tree grows quickly, especially in its early years. Its vast root system prevents soil erosion, making it an important tree for stabilizing streambanks and slopes.
The American Elm has a variety of use in Kansas environments. Because of its huge canopy and dense leaves, it is commonly planted as a shade tree in parks, streets, and residential areas. The tree’s ornamental importance is also recognized, thanks to its unusual shape and lovely winter silhouette. Furthermore, the American Elm is harvested for its timber, which is used to make furniture and veneer. Despite the severe effects of Dutch elm disease, conservation and replanting efforts for American Elm trees continue because they are an important component of Kansas’ natural and cultural history.
2. Red Elm
- Scientific Name: Ulmus rubra
- Common Name(s): Red Elm, Slippery Elm, Soft Elm
- Mature Height: 60-80 feet (18-24 meters)
- Native Region: North America
- Flowers: Small and inconspicuous, greenish-brown in color. Blooms in early spring.
- Fruit: Small, round samara (winged seed) surrounded by a papery covering.
- Uses: Red Elm is often used in landscaping for its attractive appearance and shade-providing capabilities. It is also valued for its wood, which is used in furniture, veneer, and interior finishing. The inner bark of the tree has medicinal properties and can be used to make a soothing tea or poultice.
The red elm, or Ulmus rubra, is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree endemic to North America. With a rounded crown and spreading branches, it can reach a mature height of 60 to 80 feet (18 to 24 meters). Red Elm leaves are oblong in shape with a double-serrated border. They have a dark green tint that becomes yellow in the fall. The bark of the tree is reddish-brown and highly wrinkled.
Red Elm is typically found in floodplains and bottomlands throughout its natural area. It prefers moist, well-drained soil but will grow in a variety of soil types, including clay. It can withstand moderate drought conditions. Red Elm can thrive in full sun to partial shade, making it suitable for a wide range of landscapes.
Red Elm produces small, inconspicuous greenish-brown blossoms in early spring. Wind pollinates the flowers, which are not particularly showy. The tree produces little, circular samaras (winged seeds) that are wrapped by a papery covering after pollination. The wind blows these seeds about.
Red Elm is a popular ornamental shade tree in Kansas settings. With its rounded crown and smooth bark, it is a beautiful choice for parks, streets, and residential areas. The tree provides good shade and can withstand urban conditions. Furthermore, Red Elm wood is valued for its strength and is utilized in furniture, veneer, and interior finishing.
Furthermore, the inner bark of Red Elm has been employed for medicinal purposes. Mucilage is found in the bark and can be removed and used to make a soothing tea or poultice. It is often used as a natural cure for sore throats, coughs, and digestive problems. The inner bark of the tree has a slippery texture, hence the common name “Slippery Elm.”
3. Siberian Elm
- Scientific Name: Ulmus pumila
- Common Name(s): Siberian Elm, Asiatic Elm, Chinese Elm
- Mature Height: 30-50 feet (9-15 meters)
- Native Region: Northeast China, Korea, and Eastern Siberia
- Flowers: Small inconspicuous flowers in late winter/early spring (No Flowers)
- Fruit: Small, winged samaras (seeds)
- Uses: Shade tree, windbreak, erosion control, urban landscapes
The Siberian Elm, technically known as Ulmus pumila, is a deciduous tree native to Kansas. With a spreading, uneven crown, it can reach a mature height of 30-50 feet (9-15 meters). The tree is notable for its rapid growth and capacity to adapt to a variety of soil and climatic conditions.
The Siberian Elm has small, elliptical, dark green leaves that measure around 1-2 inches long. The tree’s bark is grayish-brown and has shallow furrows and ridges. In late winter or early spring, it produces little, inconspicuous flowers that are not particularly striking. It does, however, generate small winged samaras (seeds) that are distributed by wind.
The Siberian Elm, which is native to Northeast China, Korea, and Eastern Siberia, has been widely planted in Kansas settings as a shade tree, windbreak, and erosion management. It is well-known for its resistance to drought, heat, and a variety of soil conditions. It produces immediate shade and is commonly employed in urban environments due to its rapid growth.
The Siberian Elm can grow in a variety of settings in Kansas, including dry upland areas, riverbanks, and disturbed places. It can be found in open woodlands, along roadsides, and in cities. It may thrive in alkaline or clay soils and tolerate poor soil conditions.
While the Siberian Elm lacks attractive blossoms, it makes up for it with adaptability and resilience. It is a low-maintenance tree that is resistant to Dutch elm disease and can endure urban pollutants. However, due to its rapid growth and propensity to generate a large number of seeds, it can become invasive in some regions.
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Common Elm Trees In Kansas – Sources
The Regional Gardening team makes sure that the information in our articles is accurate by only using sources that are known to be trustworthy. Some of these sources are peer-reviewed journals from government agencies, well-known universities, and scientific research organizations.
- Recommended Plants & Trees For Kansas, Kansas State University
- Native Tree Identification, Kansas Native Plant Society
- Discover Kansas Forests, Kansas Forest Service
- Preferred Trees for Southwest Kansas, Kansas State University
