American Elm (White, Gray, Water, or Swamp Elm)
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Average mature size of 60-80' tall and 30-55' wide. Vase-shaped form in which the trunk divides into several erect limbs strongly arched above and terminating in numerous slender often pendulous branchlets. Medium to fast growth rate, as much as 3' per year once established, average 10-12' in 5 years - this rate of growth is common for many elms.

Native Range

Kentucky Native — Newfoundland to Florida, west to the foot of the Rockies. Naturally found in bottomlands, floodplains, swamp forests, ravines and rich woodlands. Introduced 1752.

Flower and Fruit Details

Flowers are perfect, greenish-red, in fascicles of 3 or 4 together, occurring in March, interesting but not showy. Fruits are rounded, notched, disc-shaped samaras, 0.5" long, maturing in May through June, not ornamental, greenish but may have reddish tinge, fringed with hairs.

Leaf and Bark Features

Yellow fall color, with great variation in intensity of coloration. Bark is dark gray with broad, deep, intersecting ridges, or often scaly. Outer bark in cross section shows layers of a whitish-buff color alternating with thicker dark layers.

Culture and Care

Prefers rich, moist soils but grows well under a variety of conditions, pH tolerant, shows good soil salt tolerance. In the wild the tree inhabits wet flats where standing water may accumulate in the spring and fall. Prune in fall. Zones 5-7. The elms are, unfortunately, subject to many pests. Many of the pests are devastating and control measures are simply not effective or available.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

The whole tree a picture of great beauty and symmetry.

Suggested Uses

Great for use in urban and suburban settings, or large recreation and industrial parks.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA