Ulmus americana

Common Names

American Elm, Water Elm, White Elm, Florida Elm, Soft Elm

Summary

Ulmus americana, commonly called American elm, is a large deciduous tree native to eastern and central North America, famed for a vase-shaped crown and rapid growth, it typically reaches 60–100 feet in height and 30–60 feet in width, with a broad, spreading form and pendulous branchlets, leaves are alternate, oval to oblong with doubly serrate margins, dark green in summer and turning yellow in fall, the gray-brown bark becomes deeply furrowed with age, the wood is very hard and heavy, and wind-dispersed seeds in winged samaras complete its autumn display; the tree provides shade, urban tolerance, and wildlife habitat, and native habitats include bottomlands, floodplains, and woodlands, cultivation emphasizes full sun to light shade and moist, well-drained soils, with tolerance for a wide range of textures and pH from about 5.5 to 8.0, drought tolerance is moderate and establishment requires regular watering, propagation can be by seed or cuttings, pruning in late winter to early spring helps develop a strong framework, disease pressures include Dutch elm disease and elm yellows, with several cultivars showing resistance such as Valley Forge, Princeton, Jefferson, New Harmony, Creole Queen, and New Horizon, other pests include elm beetles, borers, mites, and scales, uses include street and landscape plantings, reclamation, and wood production for lumber, furniture, veneers, and fuel, and it also supports wildlife by providing seeds, buds, and habitat.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

60-80 feet

Spread

30-60 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 2-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun. Tolerates partial sun or partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained, nutrient-rich loam soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained, Rich, well-drained loams, Deep, fertile soils with excellent drainage, Well-drained soil (preferably rich soil)

Soil pH

5.5-8.0, Tolerates a wide pH range from acidic to alkaline, No single ideal pH

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring (early spring)

Foliage Color

Green, yellow fall color

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast growth

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Grafting

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, birds