American Elm

Ulmus americana

The American Elm tree has a tall trunk and a wide canopy of leaves. It’s a favorite spot for birds to make nests!

Habitat: Forests and urban areas

Appearance

The American Elm has a majestic, distinctive vase-like shape with arching branches that often form a cathedral-like canopy. Its rough, grey-brown bark develops deep ridges, and its dark green leaves are notably asymmetrical at the base, turning bright yellow in autumn.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyUlmaceaeGenusUlmus

American Elm

Interesting facts

Before disease, elm-lined streets formed magnificent 'cathedral arches' when canopies touched!

Each tiny elm seed has a papery 'wing,' helping it float far from the tree!

Its strong wood was prized for wagon wheels, resisting splitting under heavy loads!

Native Americans used the inner bark to make strong rope and even canoes!

Special abilities

American Elm can tolerate wet, poorly drained soils, allowing it to thrive in floodplains where other trees struggle.

American Elm can grow quickly, helping it reach sunlight and establish itself faster than many competing trees.

Measurements & details

Height: 20-35 m
Spread: 15-25 m
Edible: No
Size: 60-180 cm
Lifespan: 50-175 years
Fruit Type: Samara
Growth Rate: Medium
Leaf Type: Deciduous

Ecological connections

Eats

Elm Leaf Beetle

Xanthogaleruca luteola

Larvae and adults feed on leaves.

Eaten by

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Browses on young twigs and leaves.

Shelter

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Sciurus carolinensis

Builds nests and finds shelter in branches.

Parasitizes

Dutch Elm Disease Fungus

Ophiostoma novo-ulmi

A fungus that causes deadly Dutch Elm Disease.

Shelter

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

Often nests in its branches, seeking shelter.

Traits

Deciduous

Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.

Broadleaf Tree

Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.

Fall Color

Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.

Rapid Growing

Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.

Forest

Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.

Also known as

Soft ElmWater ElmWhite Elm

Collections

Trees

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify American Elm?

Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How tall is American Elm?

20-35 m

How wide does American Elm spread?

15-25 m

Is American Elm edible?

How big is American Elm?

60-180 cm

How long does American Elm live?

50-175 years

Where is American Elm usually found?

Forests and urban areas

What kind of fruit does American Elm produce?