NAME:
COMMON – American Elm
BOTANICAL – Ulmus americana
FAMILY – Ulmaceae

DERIVATION:
The American Elm is native to North America. Before the 20th century, American Elms were abundant in city streets and forests throughout North America. The species abundance began to decline, however, due to the introduction of ophiostoma ulm (commonly referred to as Dutch Elm disease) in 1928.

GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS:
It has an urn shape that is typical of Elms and a fibrous root system that makes it easy to transplant. It can grow 80 to 100 ft high and 30-60 ft wide.

GROWTH LOCATION:
In nature, it can be found in swamps, forests, moist slopes, and areas of especially nutrient-rich soil. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can take light shade.

ATTRIBUTES, VALUE, UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS:
The fruit of the American Elm is a seed surrounded by a flat, oval papery wing. Opossums, mice, squirrels and songbirds feed on these. It also supports several types of larvae. The wood is used for the manufacture of furniture, flooring and baskets.  Because of its durability and flexibility, it is used to make hockey sticks. Before European settlement, they were often used by Native Americans as a signpost for significant tribal meetings.

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