When does Cedar Elm bloom?

Cedar Elm blooms from June through November, producing small inconspicuous flowers during the summer and fall months.

What regions is Cedar Elm native to?

Cedar Elm is native to Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas in the southeastern United States.

What pollinators does Cedar Elm support?

Cedar Elm supports butterflies and other pollinators with its late-season blooms when few other trees are flowering.

How much water does Cedar Elm need?

Cedar Elm is drought-tolerant once established and requires low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and areas with limited irrigation.

Is Cedar Elm toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Cedar Elm as toxic to livestock.

Is Cedar Elm HOA-friendly?

Cedar Elm takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Cedar Elm

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ulmus crassifolia

Last reviewed: June 2026

Cedar Elm (Ulmus crassifolia) is a drought-tolerant deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States. It blooms from summer through fall and supports butterfly populations.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Cedar Elm as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

600"–900" H × 300"–420" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

AR, FL, LA, MS and 3 more states

Pollinators

butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Cedar Elm is a hardy native Texas shade tree that reaches 50-75 feet tall with a graceful, vase-shaped canopy. It thrives in hot, dry conditions and produces small flowers from summer through fall. This adaptable tree is excellent for providing substantial shade in residential landscapes.

Growing Cedar Elm

Grow Cedar Elm in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 600 to 900 inches tall and spread 300 to 420 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Cedar Elm takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Best suited for backyard or with special approval

Wildlife value

The extended blooming period from June through November provides nectar for butterflies and other pollinators when few other trees are flowering. Birds appreciate the small seeds and nesting sites in the mature canopy.

Common questions

When does Cedar Elm bloom?: Cedar Elm blooms from June through November, producing small inconspicuous flowers during the summer and fall months.
What regions is Cedar Elm native to?: Cedar Elm is native to Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas in the southeastern United States.
What pollinators does Cedar Elm support?: Cedar Elm supports butterflies and other pollinators with its late-season blooms when few other trees are flowering.
How much water does Cedar Elm need?: Cedar Elm is drought-tolerant once established and requires low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and areas with limited irrigation.
Is Cedar Elm toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Cedar Elm as toxic to livestock.
Is Cedar Elm HOA-friendly?: Cedar Elm takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Cedar Elm fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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