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- Full Shade to Partial Shade (0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 60 - 80 Feet
- Mature Spread 60 - 80 Feet
- Growing Zones 2 - 9
The American Elm is a classic shade tree used in many urban landscapes because of its high canopy of leaves that provide shade for parks and city streets. Ulmus americana can be planted in the home garden to provide shade also. It does have a tall and wide spread, so may only be useful in the largest of yards. Growing to a height of 60-80 feet and a spread of 40-70 feet this is one impressive tree.
American Elms grown in the past were susceptible to Dutch Elm disease, spread by the Dutch Elm bark beetle. Newer cultivars are much more resistant to this disease and can be extremely long lived. The American Elm is native to the Eastern half of North America and provides shelter and food for species of butterflies, moths and birds. Elms are drought tolerant once well established.
American Elm Care
Elms have a wide and shallow root system and need to have a very large space in order to thrive. Placing this tree in an average backyard may be difficult. Overhead utility lines must be avoided as well as driveways, patios and house foundations. The strong root system can push up and break sidewalks and driveways easily. The best place would be 100 feet away from structures and patios. The soil it is planted in can be of average texture with a pH from5.5 -8.0. Soil should be well drained and mulched with leaves or a thin layer of organic compost in the fall after leaf drop.
Pruning of American Elm is very important in its formative years. Giving it the strongest limb spread possible will go a long way to keep this tree healthy. A healthy tree that has the right amount of care will be more resistant to attack by pests and disease.
American Elm Spacing
American Elms tend to be used as a specimen tree, especially in the home garden setting. A lovely dappled shade garden could be planted underneath. Since the roots are very shallow, plants such as perennials, groundcovers and annuals will be the easiest to work with. Their roots won’t compete with the tree roots.
American Elm Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 2 - 9 |
| Plant Type: Trees |
| Light Exposure: Full Shade to Partial Shade (0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 60 - 80 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 40 - 70 Feet |
| Spacing: 40 - 70 Feet |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): N/A |
| Flower Description: N/A |
| Bloom Period: |
| Foliage Type: Deciduous, Variegated |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: Yellow Fall Color |
| Seasonal Interest: Fall Interest |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer |
| Tolerates: Heat |
| Attracts: Birds |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Specimen or Focal Point, Wildlife Gardens |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Native to North America |
| Brand: |
| Common Name: American Elm |
| Other Name(s): |
| Scientific Name: ULMUS AMERICANA |
- SKU:
- 1231014016-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Know As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Know As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Know As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Know As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Know As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Know As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.