Ulmus americana (American Elm)

Michael's Opinion

Once a common tree in the landscape it has succumbed to Dutch Elm Disease spread by the Elm Bark Beetle. Trees now observed are often infected with the disease and as a result are often short-lived. There are a few resistant trees in the province. With their weeping high-branched canopy they are quite majestic and can reach up to 20 m in height.

Botanical Information

FamilyUlmaceae
GenusUlmus
Speciesamericana
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginThe American elm in years past before the Dutch elm disease, was a very common tree to find in North America, especially Eastern North America. It was used extensively as a landscape tree until the Dutch Elm disease came to Canada during World War 2.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone3 - 9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone1a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7 - H3
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-37) - (-1)
Temperature (°F)(-35) - 30
Height24-30 m
Spread18-36 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA very tall, hardy, fast-growing tree. A common landscape plant until Dutch Elm disease killed many trees. A very beautiful, symmetrical tree with strong wood.
ID CharacteristicA fast growing vase shaped, symmetrical deciduous tree with arching branches. Has simple leaves and flowers around May.
ShapeSymmetrical crown with a vase-like shape.
LandscapeAmerican Elm trees add beauty and value to our property. The American Elm was used as a shade tree in years past.
PropagationSeed.
CultivationThe American Elm likes direct sunlight with rich soil and a pH of about 6-7, lots of moisture, and good drainage.
PestsWetwood, cankers, Dutch Elm disease, powdery mildew and leaf spot.
Notable SpecimensMost notable American Elms have died as a result of Dutch Elm disease.
HabitatEastern North America, but can grow as far as Nova Scotia to British Columbia.
Bark/Stem DescriptionDark grey scale like bark with deep broad ridges.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionThe American Elm has slightly flattened buds that are 6 mm long. They are smooth and shinny with a reddish-brown colour.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are simple ovate-oblong and are 3-7 cm wide. It has an unequal base and is doubly serrate.
Flower DescriptionPerfect flowers that are greenish red, they aren’t very noticeable and are less then 10 cm long.
Fruit DescriptionThe fruit is a 1.5 cm long samara, rounded and notched. They have a reddish tinge and are hairy.
Colour DescriptionDark green leaf in the summer and yellow in the autumn. Has dark grey bark.
Texture DescriptionHas a rough textured bark and leaf.

Photographs