#57
Accession Number: 0057-0000
Common Name: American Elm
Latin Name: Ulmus americana
Family: Ulmaceae (Elm Family)
Native Range: Eastern North America
Height: 60–80 feet
Spread: 40–70 feet
Bloom Time: March to April
Bloom Description: Reddish-green
USDA Hardiness Zone: 2
Light Preference: Full sun
Water Needs: Medium
Notes: Works well as a shade tree, a street tree, in a rain garden; tolerates drought, air pollution
Description: American Elm is a medium to large native deciduous tree with a characteristic vase shape, often occurring in low, moist areas and along streams in nature. Once extremely popular as a street and lawn tree, American elm populations have been so devastated by Dutch elm disease that this tree is no longer recommended for landscape use. Healthy mature specimens unaffected by the disease are becoming increasingly rare. A relative, Japanese Zelkova (Zelkova serrata), which is not susceptible to Dutch elm disease and which has a similar vase-like shape, has become a widely planted substitute in landscapes and as a street tree.
