Do siberian elm trees roots inhibit the growthof other trees? - Ask Extension
I have been told that siberian elms tree roots give off a substance that causes other trees to either not grow or to inhibit their growth, is this tru...
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Do siberian elm trees roots inhibit the growthof other trees? #136009
Asked June 22, 2013, 9:05 AM EDT
I have been told that siberian elms tree roots give off a substance that causes other trees to either not grow or to inhibit their growth, is this true?
Mesa County Colorado
Expert Response
Interesting question! I suspect this goes back to the confusion about the common name of this tree. Ulmus pumila, the Siberian elm (which is so common here in the valley) is not known to be allelopathic. It certainly coexists happily with many of the other plants in our gardens! Ulmus parvifolia, the true Chinese elm, does have some slight allelopathy from the roots. The effect isn't anywhere near as extreme as, say, black walnut or tree of heaven.
Thanks for asking!
Thanks for asking!
