American Elm
Ulmus americana
Also listed as Ulmus floridana, Ulmus alba
Also known as White Elm, Water Elm
Climate Match for your location
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A large native deciduous shade tree with graceful arching branches and attractive vase-like form, featuring distinctive small flowers in spring and golden fall color. Once a dominant landscape tree, it is susceptible to Dutch elm disease but remains valued for its elegant structure and rapid growth.
Why grow it
American elm offers rapid growth and a distinctive vase-shaped silhouette that is difficult to replicate with disease-resistant alternatives, making it valuable where Dutch elm disease pressure is manageable or in regions with lower disease incidence. Its deep root system and ability to thrive in varied soil conditions give it advantages over some ornamental shade trees in establishing quickly on difficult sites. Where viable, it remains a superior choice for large-scale shade and windbreak applications compared to slower-growing replacements.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent moisture during establishment and respond poorly to compacted soil conditions common in urban settings. Pruning should follow a disciplined approach, as heavy or topping cuts can create weak crotches prone to storm damage and may stress trees already managing disease pressure.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ulmaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A large native deciduous shade tree with graceful arching branches and attractive vase-like form, featuring distinctive small flowers in spring and golden fall color. Once a dominant landscape tree, it is susceptible to Dutch elm disease but remains valued for its elegant structure and rapid growth.
Climate Match for your location
See how well American Elm grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
American elm offers rapid growth and a distinctive vase-shaped silhouette that is difficult to replicate with disease-resistant alternatives, making it valuable where Dutch elm disease pressure is manageable or in regions with lower disease incidence. Its deep root system and ability to thrive in varied soil conditions give it advantages over some ornamental shade trees in establishing quickly on difficult sites. Where viable, it remains a superior choice for large-scale shade and windbreak applications compared to slower-growing replacements.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent moisture during establishment and respond poorly to compacted soil conditions common in urban settings. Pruning should follow a disciplined approach, as heavy or topping cuts can create weak crotches prone to storm damage and may stress trees already managing disease pressure.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ulmaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
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