American Elm

Ulmus americana

Ulmaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced

Last updated May 11, 2026

American elm is a native deciduous tree of eastern North America reaching 100 ft with a distinctive vase-like form. It has coarse green foliage, green flowers in March-April (precocious bloomers before leaves), and a broad, single-stem habit.

American elm is hardy in zones 2b-8b and thrives in full sun with adaptable soil (pH 5.5-8.0) and moderate moisture. Growth is fast with medium maintenance. It is notably tolerant of drought, black walnut, and urban conditions but is susceptible to Dutch elm disease and insect pests.

Plant Profile

Size & Form

Height

100 ft

Spread

82 ft

Growth Rate

Fast

Size at 20 yr

50 ft

Lifespan

Moderate

Site Requirements

Light

Full Sun

Soil Drainage

Adaptable

Soil pH

5.5–8.0

Water

Moderate

Drought Tolerance

Medium

Hardiness

Zones 2b–8b

Ornamental Interest

Bloom Time

March to April

Fall Color

Yellow

Origin

Newfoundland to Florida, west to the Rocky Mountains

Dutch Elm DiseaseHigh

Fungal Colonization of Xylem

AphidHigh

Peak Population & Dispersal

Elm leaf beetleHigh

Larval Feeding

Fall webwormHigh

Larval Feeding & Web Building

+ 2 more — see full disease and pest lists below

Diseases: Regionally Documented (4)

Neonectria ditissima Nectria Canker Ophiostoma novo-ulmi Dutch Elm Disease Multiple bacterial species, including Enterobacter cloaca... Bacterial Wetwood Slime Flux Enterobacter cloacae and Klebsiella pneumoniae Bacterial Wetwood

Pests: Regionally Documented (9)

Aphidoidea Aphid Scolytinae Bark beetle Nymphalis antiopa Spiny elm caterpillar Gossyparia spuria European elm scale Fenusa ulmi Elm leafminer Xanthogaleruca luteola Elm leaf beetle Prionoxystus robiniae Carpenterworm Hyphantria cunea Fall webworm Lepidosaphes ulmi Oystershell scale

Phenological Calendar

View full calendar (7 stages)

Stage	Typical Window	What to Look For
Bud break BBCH 07	Feb 15-Mar 15	Buds swelling and beginning to open; first green tissue visible
Bloom start BBCH 61	Mar 1-Mar 31	First open flowers visible; flowers green
Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69	Apr 1-Apr 15	Last petals falling; flower structures fading
Leaf emergence BBCH 11	Mar 1-Apr 1	First leaves fully unfurled on new growth
Fruit/seed development BBCH 71	Mar 15-May 31	Fruit or seed structures forming; fruit color: brown
Fall color / leaf senescence BBCH 93	Oct 1-Nov 15	Leaves changing color; fall display beginning
Dormancy BBCH 97	Nov 15-Feb 28	Leafless; no active growth; dormant buds set

Cultivars (2)

'Jefferson'

'Princeton'

Data Maturity

Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.