Ulmus americana

Sunset

Zones 1-11, 14-21

Full

Moderate

American Elm
Ulmaceae
Deciduous, Trees

ULMUS

Once highly prized shade trees, elms have fallen on hard times. Dutch elm disease (spread by a bark beetle) has killed millions of American elms in North America and can attack most other elm species. Many of the larger elms are appealing fare for various types of beetles, leafhoppers, aphids, and scale, making them time consuming to care for, messy, or both.

Ulmus americana

Native to eastern North America. This majestic, arching tree once graced lawns andstreets throughout its range, but it has been decimated by Dutch elm disease. Fast growthto 100 ft. or taller with nearly equal—sometimes greater—spread. Main branches upright,outer ones pendulous. Rough-surfaced, 3–6-in.-long, toothed dark green leaves; great variationin shade of yellow fall color. Leafs out very late where winters are mild. Pale green, papery seeds make a mess in spring.Disease-resistant varieties include ‘Princeton’ (upright, to65 ft. tall), ‘Valley Forge’ (vase-shaped, to 70 ft. tall), and ‘Jefferson’ (vase-shaped, to 70 ft. tall).