# 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! - **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 13 - **Habitat:** Forests and urban areas - **Also known as:** Soft Elm, Water Elm, White Elm ![American Elm](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426173/objects/4797.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Rosales - **Family:** Ulmaceae - **Genus:** Ulmus ## 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 - **Flood Tolerance:** American Elm can tolerate wet, poorly drained soils, allowing it to thrive in floodplains where other trees struggle. - **Fast Growth:** 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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/elm-leaf-beetle) (*Xanthogaleruca luteola*) — Larvae and adults feed on leaves. - **Eaten by:** [White-tailed Deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-tailed-deer) (*Odocoileus virginianus*) — Browses on young twigs and leaves. - **Shelter:** [Eastern Gray Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — Often nests in its branches, seeking shelter. ## Traits - [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons. - [Broadleaf Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/broadleaf-tree): Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates. - [Fall Color](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fall-color): Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues. - [Rapid Growing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rapid-growing): Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. ## Collections - [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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? No ### 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? Samara ## Where to spot - [Delaware and Raritan Canal](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/delaware-and-raritan-canal) — New Jersey, US · Historic Site - [East Windsor Hill Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/east-windsor-hill-historic-district) — Connecticut, US · Historic District - [Hidden Lake Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/hidden-lake-gardens) — Michigan, US · Botanical Garden - [Old Lyme Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/old-lyme-historic-district) — Connecticut, US · Historic District - [Randolph Center Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/randolph-center-historic-district) — Vermont, US · Historic District - [South Glastonbury Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/south-glastonbury-historic-district) — Connecticut, US · Historic District [View all places to see American Elm](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/american-elm) ## More Trees - [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*) - [Sessile Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sessile-oak) (*Quercus petraea*) - [Northern Red Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-red-oak) (*Quercus rubra*) - [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*) --- Source: [American Elm: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-elm)