Description: Siberian elms can reach a height of 50-70 feet with gray or brown barks with shallow furrows. The crown is round and slender branches spread throughout. The buds and twigs are nearly hairless. Leaves are small, elliptical, smooth, and singly-toothed reaching a length of approximately 0.8-2.6 inches. They are round or tapering near the base and pointed toward the tip. Alternate leaves are dark green and smooth above and paler and nearly hairless beneath.

Distribution and Effect: Siberian elms are native to northern China, eastern Siberia, Manchuria, and Korea. It was introduced into the the United States in the 1860s. Because of its ability to survive a wide variety of conditions it is found along roadsides, in pastures, and in grasslands. It is now established from Minnesota south to Arkansas and west to Utah.

Flowers appear early in the spring allowing the fruits to develop quickly and be disperse by wind. Thickets of seedlings are form on bare ground. Seeds germinate readily and seedlings grow rapidly.

Due to the Siberian elm's ability to thrive over a wide range of environmental conditions, if introduced, it may come to dominate an area within a few years.  Therefore, it is a threat to native communities of plants and animals.

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