Ulmus americana (American Elm)

Handsome and graceful, Ulmus americana (American Elm) is a medium to large deciduous tree of upright-spreading habit, forming a very broad, flat-topped or vaselike crown. The foliage of leathery, dark green leaves, 3-6 in. long (7-15 cm), turns butter-yellow to rich yellow in the fall. Inconspicuous yellow-green catkins appear in spring before the leaves emerge. A fast grower, American Elm is a very impressive tree that has been widely planted as a street and lawn tree. However, many American Elms have been ravaged by the Dutch Elm disease and this species is no longer recommended for landscape uses. Considerable effort has been made to breed hybrids that are resistant to the Dutch elm disease. Among the most resistant selections are 'Valley Forge', 'New Harmony', 'Creole Queen', 'Jefferson', Prairie Expedition™ and 'Princeton'.

• Grows up to 60-80 ft. tall (18-24 m) and 40-70 ft. wide (12-21 m).
• A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in rich, moist, well-drained loams. Adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions including wet and dry sites. Drought tolerant.
• Perfect as a specimen plant.
• Keep an eye out for Dutch elm disease, phloem necrosis, wetwood. Various wilts, rots, cankers and leaf spots may also occur
• Native to eastern and central North America.