American Elm (Ulmus americana)

Quick Facts

• Type: tree
• Size: 60-80 ft tall
• Sun: full
• Water: moderate
• Soil: Adaptable; moist, rich soils best
• USDA zones: 7-10

The classic vase-shaped street tree, with golden fall foliage.

Look for disease-resistant cultivars; Florida's heat actually slows Dutch elm disease.

In the Landscape

The classic American vase-shaped shade tree — arching limbs like a fountain. Once the iconic street tree of America. Plant disease-resistant cultivars; the species was devastated by Dutch elm disease but resistant selections exist.

Care & Propagation

Plant in fall or spring, 30-40 feet from structures. Adaptable to wet or dry soils. Water through establishment. Choose Dutch-elm-disease-resistant cultivars (like 'Princeton' or 'Valley Forge') — species seedlings remain vulnerable.

Seeds need no stratification — sow fresh in spring; viability fades fast. Fast-growing from seed.

Wildlife Value

Seeds feed finches and squirrels in spring. The vase shape hosts nesting orioles and other songbirds; elms support many caterpillar species for insect-eating birds.

🌱 Fun fact: American elms once lined Main Streets across America until Dutch elm disease killed over 75% of them. Resistant cultivars are bringing the great vase shape back — ask for them by name.

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🌴 In Florida

Look for disease-resistant cultivars; Florida's heat actually slows Dutch elm disease.

🌿 Keep exploring

More Florida natives worth meeting:

• Alachua bully (Sideroxylon alachuense)
• American Holly (Ilex opaca)
• American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)