'Commendation' Elm is an excellent street tree. Its upright oval form makes it a good shade tree. The information has been gathered from personal observations of the Editor, living in New England, Zone 5, and information provided by J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.

Botanical Name: Ulmus ‘Morton Stalwart' 
Trade Name:       'Commendation’ Hybrid Elm
Parentage:          U. pumila x U. wilsoniana x U. carpinifolia
Family:                Ulmaceae
Year of Introduction: 2003
Height:                60' (18 m)
Spread:               50' (15 m)
Form:                  Upright oval shape
Bloom Period:     August & September
Flower:                Inconspicuous 
Fruit:                    Round samara
Summer Foliage: Dark green in summer 
Autumn Foliage:  Bright yellow in autumn
Winter Color:        Bark provides winter interest
Bark:                    Grayish brown
Habitat:                 Asian origin
Culture:                Tolerates most soils and urban conditions, prefers rich, moist soil
Hardiness Zone:     5 – 9 
Growth Rate:          Moderate, full size in 40 years, averaging 6” – 12” (15 – 30 cm) per year
Pest Resistance:     Resistant to Dutch Elm Disease and phloem necrosis
Storm Resistance:  Poor, due to brittle wood 
Salt Resistance:     Good
Planting: Planting: Easily transplanted B&B and bare root 
Pruning:                 Prune in fall
Propagating:          Budded onto U. pumila understock
Design Uses:          Medium texture, good for homes, streets, parks, and commercial landscapes 
Companions:          Looks good with most general landscape plants
Other Comments:   Symmetrical branches, excellent in New England
Available from:      Difficult to find in retail nurseries, look in the largest wholesale nurseries
Photos:                   J. Frank Schmidt & Son

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