American Elm
Ulmus americana · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Ulmaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree and Street Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Species type (Wild variety), known for its classic vase shape and high ecological adaptability.
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9, demonstrating wide climatic adaptability across North America.
About This Tree
A large, majestic deciduous tree famous for its distinctive graceful vase-shaped or umbrella-like canopy with an upright, spreading crown. Features an ascending branching habit that creates a wide arching canopy.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate leaves, 3 to 6 inches long, oval to oblong with doubly serrated margins. Asymmetrical leaf base is a key identifier. Dark green in summer, turning a dull yellow in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Dark gray to brownish-gray, deeply furrowed with flattened, interlacing scaly ridges that often display alternating light and dark layers when cross-sectioned.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from Nova Scotia west to Alberta and south to Texas and Florida.
Growing Season
Leafs out in early spring, producing small inconspicuous flowers before the leaves emerge. Fruits (samaras) ripen and drop in late spring. Enters dormancy in late autumn after a yellow fall color display.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun, though tolerates partial shade. Requires moderate moisture and moist, fertile, well-drained soils, but displays good adaptability to various soil types and occasional flooding.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 60 to 80 feet in height with an equal or greater spread, growing at a moderate to fast rate with a long potential lifespan if protected from disease.
Special Characteristics
Renowned for its historic value as a premier urban street tree, beautiful vase form, and tolerance of soil compaction and urban pollution, though historically susceptible to Dutch elm disease.
Wildlife & Ecology
Supports numerous wildlife species including birds that use the canopy for nesting and mammals that consume the buds and seeds. The samaras provide spring food for various birds and small rodents.