Woody > Ulmus > Ulmus americana > Ulmus americana
Ulmus americana
American Elm
Origin: The 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.
Mike'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.
Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)
"
| Family |
| Ulmaceae |
| Genus |
| Ulmus |
| Species |
| americana |
| Category |
| Woody |
| Type |
| Tree (deciduous) |
| Pronunciation |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 3 - 9 |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| 1a |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H7 - H3 |
| Temperature (°C) |
| (-37) - (-1) |
| Temperature (°F) |
| (-35) - 30 |
| Height |
| 24-30 m |
| Spread |
| 18-36 m |
Photographs
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Cultivars
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Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| A 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. |
| Landscape |
| American Elm trees add beauty and value to our property. The American Elm was used as a shade tree in years past. |
| Cultivation |
| The American Elm likes direct sunlight with rich soil and a pH of about 6-7, lots of moisture, and good drainage. |
| Shape |
| Symmetrical crown with a vase-like shape. |
| Growth |
| Medium |
| ID Characteristic |
| A fast growing vase shaped, symmetrical deciduous tree with arching branches. Has simple leaves and flowers around May. |
| Pests |
| Wetwood, cankers, Dutch Elm disease, powdery mildew and leaf spot. |
| Habitat |
| Eastern North America, but can grow as far as Nova Scotia to British Columbia. |
| Bark/Stem Description |
| Dark grey scale like bark with deep broad ridges. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description |
| The American Elm has slightly flattened buds that are 6 mm long. They are smooth and shinny with a reddish-brown colour. |
| Leaf Description |
| Leaves are simple ovate-oblong and are 3-7 cm wide. It has an unequal base and is doubly serrate. |
| Flower Description |
| Perfect flowers that are greenish red, they aren’t very noticeable and are less then 10 cm long. |
| Fruit Description |
| The fruit is a 1.5 cm long samara, rounded and notched. They have a reddish tinge and are hairy. |
| Colour Description |
| Dark green leaf in the summer and yellow in the autumn. Has dark grey bark. |
| Texture Description |
| Has a rough textured bark and leaf. |
| Notable Specimens |
| Most notable American Elms have died as a result of Dutch Elm disease. |
| Propagation |
| Seed. |
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