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Outstanding Features:
Tolerance to urban conditions. Excellent vase shape makes it an ideal street tree.
Description:
Height: 50-75'
Width: 35-50'
Hardiness Zone: 3a
American Elm is a large, fast growing tree with a broad vase shape. It has an excellent form as a street tree. It is native throughout the upper midwest and much of North America. Prior to the onset of Dutch elm disease in this country, it made up a high proportion of the street tree community throughout much of the United States. Leaves are medium green, turning yellow in the fall.
Requirements and Culture:
Tolerant to a wide range of soils and climatic conditions. Very tolerant of city conditions. Somewhat brittle and requires some pruning to remove dead and broken branches. Preventative maintenance against Dutch elm disease is recommended for valuable older specimens.
Limitations:
The primary limitation is its susceptibility to Dutch elm disease which has killed most of the old established trees in much of the country. It is also susceptible to phloem necrosis and elm leaf beetle. Because of these problems it is no longer recommended for landscaping. American Elm has shallow roots which may damage sidewalks and drain tiles.
Photo Credit:
1 & 2 MLA.
Minnesota Power | University of Minnesota | Northern
States Power Company
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AMERICAN ELM Ulmus americana