Description

Latin: Ulmus americana

Height: 100 ft

Spread: 50 feet

Light: Full sun, tolerates partial shade

Hardiness zone: 2

Growth rate: Moderate – fast

Suckering: No

Root system: Wide and shallow

Lifespan: 100+

Plug material

The nostalgic feeling of driving through an older neighborhood where Elms line the boulevards on both sides of the streets and the canopies cover the road like a living tunnel is something to behold. A testament to their longevity and ability to grow in some of the poorest soils and urban conditions; near roadways with constant exhaust emissions, concrete sidewalks, and on promenades down main streets with the tiny spaces for a tree to pop through for the ‘natural’ touch.

Native to Eastern North America, the American elm is easily distinguished by the ‘V’ shaped growing habit with a straight trunk that splits into an umbrella like canopy. This extremely hardy tree prefers a well drained soil. Golden leaves appear in the fall.

Young twigs and branchlets have tough, fibrous bark that have been used as a tying and binding material, such as rope swings and making whips.

Do not plant under powerlines.

Seedling size is approximately 12” tall , 1 year old.