American elm - Ulmaceae Ulmus americana

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Foliage

Bark

Bud

Twig

Fruit

Form

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Taxonomy

Cladeangiosperm
FamilyUlmaceae
GenusUlmus
Speciesamericana
Common NameAmerican elm
iTree CodeULAM

Plant Form

FormTree: vase shaped canopy
Height120 feet
Spread70 feet
DeciduousYes

Identification Description

Foliagedoubly serrate edges, uneven at base, tip pointed (3-4"), V-venation Leaf Type  Information Icon Simple
Barkgrayish (often white streaks present), furrowed ridges; cross-section has “bacon” pattern
Budfalse terminal bud, red/brown pointed, non-hairy; distinct overlapping scales (imbricate) Bud Arrangement Information Icon Alternate
Twigslender, reddish brown in current year, then gray; zig-zag appearance
Flowersmall, clustered, green with red, white before leaves; male and female organs on same flower (perfect)
Fruitsmall, papery disk (samara) with hairs and notch at top
Fall Coloryellow

Site Characteristics

USDA Zones   info for zones pH LevelsSalt Tolerance
Min3b Min5.0 SoilModerate
Max9b Max8.0 SprayModerate

Shade ToleranceDrought ToleranceAllelopathy
Intermediate Moderate No

Species Status

Nebraska Native Yes Check
U.S. Native Yes Check
Region of OriginCanada, United States
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