{"product_id":"ulmus-propinqua-emerald-sunshine-emerald-sunshine-elm","title":"Ulmus Propinqua Emerald Sunshine (Emerald Sunshine Elm)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe Perfect Shade Tree That Thrives in California's Challenging Conditions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmerald Sunshine Elm delivers fast-growing, disease-resistant shade that most elms simply can't match. This tough cultivar-officially known as ulmus propinqua jfs bieberich (or \u003cem\u003eUlmus davidiana var. japonica\u003c\/em\u003e 'JFS-Bieberich')-was bred from seeds collected in China specifically for superior performance in hot, arid, and urban landscapes. If you want a beautiful, low maintenance shade tree that won't fall victim to Dutch elm disease, this is the elm to plant in your yard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisease Resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e – Emerald Sunshine is highly resistant to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dutch_elm_disease\"\u003eDutch elm disease\u003c\/a\u003e, the devastating fungal infection carried by bark beetles that has wiped out millions of traditional elms across North America. It's also resistant to elm yellows (phloem necrosis), another serious threat most elms can't survive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrought Tolerance\u003c\/strong\u003e – Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant. Emerald Sunshine Elm demonstrates excellent tolerance for hot, dry, and windy conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping or areas with limited water availability. It's a fantastic choice among \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/drought-tolerant\"\u003edrought tolerant trees\u003c\/a\u003e for California landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFast Growth\u003c\/strong\u003e – With a moderate to fast growth rate of approximately 12–18 inches per year under good conditions, this tree fills out your landscape quickly. Emerald Sunshine reaches a mature height of 30–35 feet with a width of 20–25 feet, providing substantial shade coverage within 15–20 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBeautiful Foliage\u003c\/strong\u003e – Emerald Sunshine Elm features clean, deep green, corrugated foliage that stays glossy and fresh through the hottest summers. Leaves emerge bronze-a stunning coppery bronze-in spring, transition to deep green foliage through summer, and the foliage transitions to a yellow or orange-yellow color in the fall. In cold snaps, expect golden-yellow and purple tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUrban Tough\u003c\/strong\u003e – It withstands harsh urban conditions, heat, and drought. Compacted soils, pollution, wind-this tree thrives where others struggle. Its sturdy structure and adaptable nature make it an ideal street tree for parking lots, medians, and residential boulevards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes It Different\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost elms are synonymous with heartbreak. Traditional American elms succumb to Dutch elm disease. Others can't handle California's heat and drought cycles. And many popular alternatives like lacebark elm don't offer the same combination of disease resistance and fast shade production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEmerald Sunshine\u003c\/strong\u003e offers:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChinese Heritage\u003c\/strong\u003e – The cultivar was developed by Sunshine Nursery in western Oklahoma from seeds collected in China by Steve Bieberich, whose name lives on in the 'JFS-Bieberich' designation. This lineage gives the tree drought resistant genetics that outperform elms bred from American or European stock. Renowned horticulturist Michael Dirr has characterized this cultivar as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ulmus_davidiana_var._japonica_%27JFS-Bieberich%27\"\u003e\"impressive.\"\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePest Immunity\u003c\/strong\u003e – Unlike American elms, this cultivar resists elm leaf beetle and Japanese beetle damage-trials showed minimal impact from these insects. While aphids, borers, and scale can occasionally appear on stressed trees, healthy specimens shrug off the pests that devastate other elm varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompact, Strong Form\u003c\/strong\u003e – Smaller than towering American elm hybrids (which reach 40–50 feet), propinqua emerald sunshine features a vase shaped crown with a strong central leader that suits tighter residential spaces. It has a vase-shaped crown and gray, fissured bark that adds winter interest and beauty to any landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow To Grow Emerald Sunshine Elm Successfully\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant in Full Sun\u003c\/strong\u003e This tree requires full sun for optimal growth-choose a location with 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily. Emerald Sunshine Elm performs best in full sun to partial shade, so even spots with some afternoon shade will work. It is adaptable to various soil types and pH levels, from clay to sandy soils, acid to alkaline.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstablish Roots\u003c\/strong\u003e It requires regular watering during the first two seasons while the root system develops. Moderate and consistent moisture during this phase ensures the thick root network that makes this elm so tough later on. Avoid waterlogged soils-good drainage prevents root rot and Phytophthora issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnjoy Low Maintenance\u003c\/strong\u003e Once established, this tree needs minimal care and reduced watering. Pruning requirements are low; late winter or early spring before new growth emerges is the best time for any structural shaping. After the establishment period, you'll spend more time enjoying the shade than maintaining the tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccolgroup\u003e\n\u003ccol\u003e\n\u003ccol\u003e\n\u003c\/colgroup\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecification\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDetail\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUlmus propinqua 'JFS-Bieberich' (\u003cem\u003eulmus davidiana var. japonica\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmerald Sunshine Elm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e30 to 40 feet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Width\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e20 to 25 feet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Zones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5 to 9 (perfect for California)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to fast (~12–18 in\/year)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun Exposure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull sun to partial shade\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Requirements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdaptable-clay, loam, sandy; acid to alkaline\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Needs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate during establishment; drought tolerant once established\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFall Color\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBright yellow to orange-yellow, with purple hints in cold weather\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUpright, vase shaped with strong central leader\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBark\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGray, becoming fissured with age\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeaf Character\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlossy, oblong, toothed; thick and deeply corrugated\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisease Resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDutch elm disease, elm yellows (phloem necrosis)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePest Resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElm leaf beetle, Japanese beetle\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting Distance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt least 15 ft from structures; 20 ft from power lines\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmerald Sunshine Elm is ideal for lining streets or parking lots, as specimen plantings in open areas, or as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/trees\"\u003eshade trees\u003c\/a\u003ein residential yards. Its green leaves provide dense canopy coverage while the upright form keeps sightlines clear. The inconspicuous flowers produce small samaras-keep this in mind if planting near patios or walkways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalifornia homeowners\u003c\/strong\u003e seeking a reliable, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/fast-growing-trees-shrubs\"\u003efast-growing shade tree\u003c\/a\u003e that thrives in heat and drought\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProperty owners with challenging conditions\u003c\/strong\u003e including urban lots, compacted soils, arid climates, and windy exposures\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscapers\u003c\/strong\u003e designing low maintenance, disease-resistant landscapes-or anyone considering \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/desert-trees\"\u003edesert-adapted trees\u003c\/a\u003e for tough sites\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife-conscious gardeners\u003c\/strong\u003e who want a tree that attracts birds and squirrels while resisting the beetles and insects that plague other species\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want a shade tree that won't die from disease, won't wilt in California's hottest months, and won't demand constant attention-ulmus propinqua emerald sunshine fits your needs. Ulmus propinqua thrives in USDA Zones 5 to 9, covering virtually all of California from coastal communities to inland valleys.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow fast does it grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e Emerald Sunshine Elm grows at a moderate to fast rate, adding approximately 12–18 inches of height per year under favorable conditions. Expect it to reach its mature size within 15–20 years. In cooler climates, growth may be somewhat slower-U.C. Davis trials in Northern California recorded approximately 1 meter of height gain per year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it get Dutch elm disease?\u003c\/strong\u003e No. This cultivar is highly resistant to Dutch elm disease and elm yellows. In the U.S. National Elm Trial, japonica emerald sunshine showed minimal damage from the bark beetles that carry Dutch elm disease. It is disease resistant in ways that traditional American elms simply are not.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much water does it need?\u003c\/strong\u003e It needs moderate and regular watering during the first two growing seasons. Once established, the tree becomes very drought tolerant and requires far less supplemental irrigation. This makes it an excellent choice for California's water-conscious landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I plant it near my house?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes, but maintain at least 15 feet of distance from buildings or structures and approximately 6 feet from fences or pavement. Keep it at least 20 feet from overhead power lines. The mature spread of 20–25 feet needs room to develop fully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat about pests and diseases?\u003c\/strong\u003e While highly resistant to the major elm diseases and beetles, no tree is completely immune to everything. Borers, aphids, sooty mold, and scale insects may occasionally appear, particularly on stressed trees. Root rot and Verticillium can affect trees grown in poorly drained soils. Good drainage and proper watering prevent most issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReady to Add Reliable Shade to Your Landscape?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStop struggling with disease-prone elms that die within years or slow-growing varieties that take decades to provide meaningful shade. Choose \u003cstrong\u003eUlmus Propinqua Emerald Sunshine\u003c\/strong\u003e and enjoy a fast-growing, drought resistant, low maintenance shade tree that actually thrives in California's toughest conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yardwork Nursery","offers":[{"title":"15 Gallon","offer_id":46391897489581,"sku":null,"price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24\" Box","offer_id":46391897522349,"sku":null,"price":1150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"36\" Box","offer_id":46391897555117,"sku":null,"price":2150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48\" Box","offer_id":46391897587885,"sku":null,"price":4500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0514\/8809\/6429\/files\/DrakeElmTree.jpg?v=1780276923","url":"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/ulmus-propinqua-emerald-sunshine-emerald-sunshine-elm","provider":"Yardwork","version":"1.0","type":"link"}