Discover the Graceful American Elm: A Fast-Growing Native Shade Tree
The American Elm (Ulmus americana) is a striking native North American tree known for its fast growth and elegant vase-shaped silhouette. Reaching impressive heights and widths, it provides ample shade, making it a classic choice for landscapes. Its dark green leaves turn a lovely yellow in the fall. In early spring, inconspicuous green flowers appear before the leaves emerge, followed by wafer-like seedpods that attract birds and wildlife. While susceptible to Dutch elm disease, planting disease-resistant cultivars and implementing monitoring programs can help preserve this majestic tree. Its adaptability to various soils and its tolerance for urban conditions make the American Elm a valuable choice for reclamation and spacious landscapes.
Sizes Available
Wholesale Only
1 Gallon
$4.00
3 Gallon
$8.00
7 Gallon
$22.00
15 Gallon
$50.00
A mature American Elm displays its characteristic vase-shaped canopy and textured bark.
Scientific Name: Ulmus americana
Common Name: American Elm, Common Elm, Gray Elm, Soft Elm, Water Elm, White Elm
Hardiness Zones: 2A through 9B
Height: 70 to 90 feet
Spread: 50 to 70 feet
Growth Rate: Fast
Foliage: Spring & Summer: Five-inch-long, deciduous dark green leaves. Fall: Fades to a showy yellow before dropping.
Bark: Ashy gray, narrowly fissured, and flaking or peeling into small, scaly plates, providing winter texture.
Sun: Full sun to partial shade is suitable for the American Elm.
Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of soils, including clay, sand, and loam; tolerates alkaline and acidic conditions, as well as wet to well-drained sites.
Wildlife Value: The wafer-like seedpods are quite popular with both birds and other wildlife, making it a beneficial tree for supporting local ecosystems.
Why Choose American Elm?
Fast Growth and Elegant Vase Shape:
The American Elm is prized for its rapid growth, quickly establishing a significant presence in the landscape. Its iconic vase-shaped silhouette offers an elegant and visually appealing form, making it a beautiful shade tree.
Adaptable to Various Soil and Urban Conditions:
This resilient native tree can thrive in a wide range of soil types, from clay to sand, and tolerates both wet and dry conditions. Its ability to adapt to urban environments makes it a valuable choice for cities and developed areas.
Provides Food for Birds and Wildlife:
The seeds produced by the American Elm are a popular food source for various bird species and other wildlife, contributing to local biodiversity and attracting fauna to your landscape.
Historical Significance and Reclamation Use:
Once a beloved street tree, the American Elm remains a significant part of North American history. Its adaptability also makes it a suitable choice for reclamation projects, helping to restore natural areas.
Environmental Benefits of Planting American Elm
This data is based on US Averages of healthy and mature trees over a 20-year period.
Check out the USDA’s MyTree Tool to input your custom location data.
A single American Elm can offset the CO₂ emissions produced by driving an average gas-powered car for 16,610 miles.
A single American Elm can absorb enough stormwater to fill 3,653 bathtubs, reducing erosion, runoff, and supporting transpiration.
A single American Elm removes as much air pollution as the weight of 301 smartphones.
Featured Projects
Central Florida Lands and Timber Nursery, LLC. is a wholesale nursery specializing in a wide array of Florida native trees. With an inventory of over 2 million container-grown trees, CFLTN, LCC can meet the needs of large-scale reforestation, mitigation, and landscaping projects throughout the Southeast region.
Phone
(386) 294-1211
Address
3087 North County Road 53 Mayo, Florida 32066