Northern Empress® Japanese Elm
Scientific Name: Ulmus davidiana var. japonica ‘Burgundy Glow’
Family: Ulmaceae
Location on Campus: 46.895389, -96.803194
Description: A very hardy small to medium-sized elm with a rounded crown, open branching and attractive summer and fall foliage. Fall foliage changes from green to apricot-orange to burgundy red before dropping. This cultivar is nearly seedless and creates minimal mess.
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 3 to 6.
Natural Habitat: Native to Japan and northeastern Asia.
Mature Size: Height: 30’- 35’, Spread: 30’- 40’
Form (Shape): Rounded, open crown.
Growth Rate: Medium.
Foliage: In summer, leaves are a lustrous, dark-green. Foliage in the autumn is burgundy red.
Texture: Medium.
Flowers: Non-showy, almost no flowers on this selection.
Fruit: Samara. Nearly seedless.
Light: Full sun.
Soil: Well drained soils, pH adaptable and tolerant of higher pH soils. Moderate to good drought tolerance. adaptable.
Propagation: Tissue culture or softwood cuttings.
Tree Failure Patterns: Failure is generally uncommon.
Insects and Diseases: Resistant to Dutch elm disease (DED).
Landscape Use: Recommended as a small to medium sized ornamental tree in urban landscapes. This is especially relevant where available space and hardiness of other elm species may be an issue.
Availability: Commonly available in nursery trade.
