American Elm

American Elm

(Ulmus americana)

The Elm Family (Ulmaceae)

A fast growing, long-lived tree with a graceful, broad spreading crown and strong wood. The leaves, which are usually rough-textured and uneven at the base, are deciduous and alternately arranged. The base of the trunk is often buttressed like a cypress tree.

Habitat:

Deciduous woodlands and bottomlands, along rivers and in fields.

Interesting Facts:

Was once a common urban tree in most of the United States until the1930s when Dutch elm disease devastated the elm population; however, disease resistant varieties are now available.

Fruit:

.375“-.5” long, wafer-like samara (a winged seed pod), green turning yellow as it matures, located at the end of long stalk.

Flower:

Reddish; 1” long drooping, bundled clusters each on a long stalk.

Wildlife value:

The fruit are eaten by birds, and the leaves and twigs are eaten by deer, opossum and cottontail rabbit. It is a larval host and nectar source for many butterflies and moths.

Bark