'Regal' Lacebark Elm - Regal Elm Trees

Ulmus x 'Regal' - 'Regal' Lacebark Elm

Family - Ulmaceae

Size - Fast growing to about 50 feet in height with a spread of about 25 feet. Loose columnar-oval shape. The trees on campus (these pictures) were planted in December, 1993, 3 1/2" caliper, 12' tall. In December of 1997 they are approximately 6 1/2 to 7" in caliper and 30 feet tall. They are in parking lot islands which are subject to the extremes of everything, ie; poor soil, confined roots, heat, drought, and wind.

Foliage - Alternate, simple, about 2 1/2 " long, 1 1/4" in width. Spinach green in color with a fall color that is somewhat reddish-purple. Can hold leaves quite a bit longer than average, often into late November.

Flower/Fruit/Seed -

Bark - Highly ornamental, often a combination of mottled gray, green, orange and brown tones. Exfoliates in irregular thin flakes. This is the most attractive trait. Begins to be noticable after about 10 years.

Pests and Diseases - None, a extremely tough tree.

Landscape Use - Has multiple uses, but I think its greatest asset will be to sites which require a very durable tree in more than demanding conditions such as street trees and parking lot islands for municipalities and commercial sites. Develops a good central leader and has a limited spread. Makes a nice shade tree in the residential landscape. It should not be confused with Siberian Elm, Ulmus pumila, which is one of the worlds worst trees.

Performance - 10 Its fall color is not always great, but what it lacks in color is made up in bark quality. As far as its usefulness, it's practically unlimited. Its middle name is tough. Very tolerant of drought, poor soils, heat and cold. It can withstand the harshest conditions and negligence, and still thrive. Trees on campus were planted in 1993 and haven't developed the bark that Lacebark's are known for. Rated zones 4 to 9.

Contact Information

The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, AL 35899

TollFree: 800.UAH.CALL
Email: Michael.Finnegan@uah.edu

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