American Elm

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American elm

Scientific name: Ulmus americana Other common names: white elm, water elm

Image of a American elm tree Close up of American elm leaves Close up of American elm bark Close up of American elm flower Close up of American elm fruit/seeds

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What American elm looks like

Size and shape

  • Large tree reaching 24 to 30 metres tall.
  • Canopy has a round shape.

Leaves

  • Dark green.
  • Oval shaped.
  • Grow in alternate, simple arrangement.

Bark

  • Gray or brown in colour.
  • Develops deep, diamond shaped furrows as the tree ages.
  • Cross sections are wafer-like.

Flowers

  • Small clusters of 3 to 15 green-yellow flowers.

Fruit

  • Winged seeds that mature in spring.

Where American elm is found

American elm grows across Southern and Central Ontario, north to Timmins and west to Kenora. Most trees found in the wild are young and medium-aged trees. Dutch elm disease killed most older elm trees.

What you need to know to grow American elm

  • Moisture: adaptable but grows best in moist sites.
  • Shade: grows best in full sun but tolerates partial shade.
  • Soil:grows best in rich, well-drained soils.
  • Cautions: Many American elms have been killed by invasive Dutch elm disease. If planting an American elm, consider choosing a disease-resistant variety and plant with other species.

Benefits and uses of American elm

Wildlife benefits

American elm trees provide a food source and nesting habitat for several birds and small mammals. They are also host to butterflies, moths and other insects.

Commercial uses

The odourless wood from American elm can be used for:

  • crates for cheese and produce
  • veneer
  • furniture
  • pulp and paper

Fun facts about American elm

  • Some isolated American elm trees in Ontario that have survived Dutch elm disease have trunks more than 4.5 metres in circumference.
  • Before Dutch elm disease, American elm was one of Ontario’s largest native trees. The University of Guelph Arboretum identifies large survivors and is assembling a gene bank for breeding resistance.
  • American elm grows well in both rural and urban habitats.
  • Tree Atlas
Updated: January 24, 2024 Published: July 18, 2014 Top

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