Ulmus pumila Beijing Gold - Elm

The Ulmus pumila 'Beijing Gold' is a dwarf variety of Siberian Elm with remarkable golden yellow foliage from spring to autumn. It is a slow-growing deciduous tree that tolerates pruning very well and is often used for low hedges or topiaries. Very hardy, this elm tolerates limestone, urban pollution, and drought episodes. It is rather resistant to Dutch elm disease but can occasionally be attacked by insects.

Ulmus pumila belongs to the Ulmaceae family, like our Hackberry (Celtis) or the Zelkova (false Siberian Elm), with which it should not be confused. It is native to Asia, from eastern Siberia to Korea, passing through Mongolia and northern China. It was introduced to the United States in the early 20th century to combat wind erosion and has since become naturalised there. In its countries of origin, it can reach a height of 25 m (82ft), form a trunk with a diameter of 1 m (3ft), and live up to 150 years.

The 'Beijing Gold' Siberian Elm, formerly known as Ulmus pumila 'Aurea', is a horticultural selection from the Chinese nursery Honze introduced to the market shortly before 2008. Slow-growing, it has a more or less spreading oval habit. At age 10, it reaches about 2.50 m (8ft) in height. Ultimately, this small tree reaches between 3 and 4 m (10 and 13ft) in height and 2 to 3 m (7 to 10ft) in spread if not pruned. The grey bark punctuated here and there with white patches is not devoid of interest, although not truly decorative. The deciduous foliage appears in spring and falls in autumn. The leaves are small (2 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) long), slightly asymmetrical, and somewhat dentate along the edges. Their colour is a beautiful bright yellow if the tree receives enough sunlight. In shade, the yellow tends to turn green, especially in summer. This elm blooms in March-April. The flowers are petal-less and appear on the previous year's branches. They are green in colour, without ornamental value, and can be destroyed by a late frost. Due to its geographical origins, the tree is extremely hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as -35°C (1°F). The fruits are dry, brown samaras containing a central seed. They are produced abundantly.

The Ulmus pumila 'Beijing Gold' is used for hedges, shrub borders, or topiaries in small urban gardens. In summer, its golden foliage forms a beautiful contrast with the purple foliage of Berberis ottawensis 'Superba', Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls', or Cotinus coggygria 'Dusky Maiden', for example. Create beautiful autumn scenes by pairing them with 'Red Cascade' European Spindle, 'Miracle' Dogwood, and White Pavier.