Ulmus 'Columnella' | Hillier Trees

Tree Information

Specialities

Tolerances

Wet Soil: High

Dry Soil: Medium

Lime: High

Ulmus ‘Columnella’, commonly known as the Columnar Elm, is a resilient, upright tree ideal for compact urban spaces. Developed by the Dorschkamp Research Institute in the Netherlands and released commercially in 1989, this cultivar is part of the trusted Resista® Elms series, known for its strong resistance to Dutch Elm Disease (DED). The tree’s name pays tribute to Columella, a 1st-century Roman agricultural writer who penned early works on tree cultivation.

This deciduous elm tree produces small, alternate leaves with scalloped edges. They emerge slightly later in spring, turning a glossy dark green before shifting to golden-yellow autumn tones. In spring, dense clusters of small green flowers appear and later develop into flat, round, papery winged seeds called samaras.

Its narrow, upright growth habit makes Ulmus ‘Columnella’ especially well-suited for street planting, urban parks and tight spaces, and narrow verges.

Though not the fastest grower among elms, it has a steady growth rate and remains a reliable choice where space is limited and disease resistance is essential. Compared to Ulmus ‘Dodoens’, it is slightly slower-growing but more compact.

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Size

Medium

12m high x 3m wide after 25 years

Environment

Its narrow shape makes it an ideal street and avenue tree. Will also do well in exposed areas and wind tunnels.

Canopy

Slim, columnar, and fairly loosely branched and open. Branches are upright.

Foliage

Alternate, rounded ovoid to inverted ovoid. Noticeably scalloped/wavy. Leaves emerge later in spring and are dark green throughout summer, transitioning to a yellow in autumn.

Flowers

Dense, long stalked bundles of green blossoms in spring.

Fruit

Flat, round, brown wingnuts which are dispersed by the wind.

Resilience

Likes sunny to partially shaded areas. Will do well in moist nutrient rich soil, especially lime and calcareous soils. Can withstand short floods and frost and is extremely wind resistant. Tolerant of air pollution.

FAQs

What is Ulmus ‘Columnella’ known for?

Ulmus ‘Columnella’ is known for its narrow, upright habit and strong resistance to Dutch Elm Disease, making it ideal for streetscapes and compact spaces.

Is it suitable for small gardens or only urban environments?

While ideal for urban spaces, its narrow form also works well in large private gardens with limited width.

Does Ulmus ‘Columnella’ require pruning?

Minimal pruning is needed thanks to its naturally upright form, making maintenance easy.