American elm
Ulmus americana
USDA zones2 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size60 to 80 feet tall40 to 70 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Reddish-green
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
American elm (Ulmus americana) is a tree for specimen planting, shade gardens, rain gardens, and naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA zone 2, or down to -50°F (-46°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to wet soil of most types. It grows fast and can reach 60 to 80 feet tall with a wide, arching crown. Deer rarely make it their first choice. Birds eat the seeds and use the tree for cover and nesting.
Pairs well with American linden, Bunchberry, Blue bead lily, and Red fescue.
Native range
Eastern North America.