- 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:
- 1014016-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 Known 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 Known 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 Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 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 Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known 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 Known 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 Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
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