American Elm
Ulmus americana · Deciduous hardwood
Plant Family
Ulmaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Street Tree, Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Species type (wild type)
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9, demonstrating wide adaptability to varying continental climates.
About This Tree
Large deciduous shade tree with a classic vase-like or umbrella-like shape, featuring an upright trunk that divides into spreading, arching branches. Known for creating a magnificent high canopy over streets and lawns.
Leaf Characteristics
Alternate, simple leaves, 3 to 6 inches long, elliptic to obovate in shape, with doubly serrate margins and an unmistakably unequal (asymmetric) leaf base. Dark green above and turning yellow in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Grayish-brown bark divided into deep, interconnected diamond-shaped ridges and furrows. When cut in cross-section or peeling, the inner bark often displays characteristic alternating light and dark layers.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to eastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Alberta, and south to Florida and Texas.
Growing Season
Leafs out in early spring following inconspicuous greenish-red flowers in very early spring; seeds mature and drop in late spring; enters dormancy in late autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun for optimal form and growth, but tolerates partial shade. Requires moderate to high soil moisture and regular watering during establishment, though mature trees show some drought tolerance.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 60 to 80 feet in height with a spread of 40 to 70 feet, a moderate to fast growth rate, and a trunk diameter of 2 to 4 feet or more at maturity.
Special Characteristics
Historically prized as a premier urban street tree due to its graceful arching canopy and high tolerance for compacted urban soils and pollution, though heavily impacted by Dutch elm disease.
Wildlife & Ecology
Supports a wide variety of wildlife, serving as a larval host plant for several butterfly and moth species, including the comma and mourning cloak butterflies. Seeds are consumed by birds and small mammals.