Discovery Elm

Cold-Hardy Shade Tree
Compact Vase-Shaped Crown
Golden Autumn Foliage

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#35 Container

$1,123.00

4 in stock

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$1,123.00

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Discovery Elm

Sunlight
Can grow in a range from full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Watering
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.
Fertilizing
Should not need any extra fertilizer unless your entire lawn and garden have problems and needs regular fertilizing.

Discovery Elm

Discovery Elm is a cold-hardy deciduous shade tree valued for its compact vase-shaped crown, sturdy branching, and handsome green foliage. Its moderate dimensions, golden fall color, and refined form make it an appealing selection for lawns, streetscapes, parks, and other landscapes needing dependable summer shade.

Why choose Discovery Elm?

Choose Discovery Elm for the classic beauty of an elm in a more compact, orderly form. Its ascending branches develop into a dense, vase-shaped canopy that provides generous shade without occupying the immense space required by larger elm varieties. Deep green leaves create a fresh summer appearance before turning yellow to golden yellow in fall. Selected for cold-climate performance and strong Dutch elm disease resistance, it is especially useful for northern lawns, community plantings, boulevards, and commercial landscapes.

Key Characteristics

Botanical Name: Ulmus davidiana var. japonica ‘Discovery’
Common Name: Discovery Elm
Plant Type: Deciduous shade tree
Growth Habit: Upright, compact, vase-shaped canopy with ascending branches

Discovery Elm Additional Information

Discovery Elm generally matures around 35 to 40 feet tall and 25 to 30 feet wide, although dimensions vary with climate, soil quality, moisture, and available rooting space. Its serrated green leaves form a dense canopy through summer and typically develop golden-yellow autumn color before dropping. Small, inconspicuous flowers appear in early spring and may be followed by papery winged seeds called samaras.

This cultivar was selected in Canada for cold hardiness, an attractive crown, and strong resistance to Dutch elm disease. Its restrained size and upright branching make it practical for lawns, parks, avenues, commercial properties, and neighborhood streets where a full-sized American elm may be too large. During winter, the bare branches reveal a handsome architectural framework. Young trees benefit from structural pruning to maintain one central leader and establish evenly spaced scaffold limbs. Once trained, only occasional corrective pruning is typically needed.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Plant Discovery Elm in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil and enough space for its mature canopy. Set the root flare at or slightly above the surrounding soil level, and avoid planting too deeply.

2. Watering: Water deeply after planting and keep soil evenly moist during the establishment period. Once established, provide supplemental water during extended dry spells, especially in hot, exposed, or compacted sites.

3. Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch mulch layer over the root zone to conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature, and reduce turf competition. Keep mulch pulled back several inches from the trunk.

4. Pruning: Prune young trees during dormancy to build strong structure, maintain a central leader, and remove crossing or crowded branches. Mature trees usually need only occasional corrective pruning.

Related Resources

FAQs

How large does Discovery Elm get?
Discovery Elm grows into a medium to large shade tree. Mature size varies with soil, moisture, climate, and pruning, so it should be planted where it has generous overhead and root space.
Where should I plant Discovery Elm?
Plant Discovery Elm in open lawns, streetscapes, parkways, or large landscape beds where its upright canopy can mature without crowding buildings, sidewalks, or overhead utilities.
Does Discovery Elm have fall color?
Yes. Discovery Elm typically develops yellow fall foliage, adding seasonal color before the leaves drop for winter dormancy.

Shipping Details

Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you’ll receive an email with a tracking number.

Amount of Order	Shipping Charge
Local Delivery	FREE SHIPPING
Non-Local Delivery	Varies based on UPS shipping

Refined Shade Canopy
Compact Elm Form
Golden Fall Color

Mature Height	Large: Up to 30 ft or more
Mature Spread	20+ ft
Growth Rate	Fast
Botanical Name	Ulmus davidiana var. japonica 'Discovery'
Bloom Time	Mid spring, Early Spring
Deer Resistant	No
Hardiness Zones	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Family	Ulmaceae
Flower Color	Non Flowering
Light Needs	Full Sun
Maintenance	Low
Size	#35 Container

Map of the United States with all states shaded green to indicate nationwide coverage or presence.

Growing Zones 2-7 Outdoors

(Hardy down to -50)

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