American elm (Ulmus americana, Sp. Pl.: 226 (1753))

Family: Ulmaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 226 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ulmus

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. Canada to N. Mexico

Description

The American elm, scientifically known as Ulmus americana, is a significant and iconic tree species native to North America. It was initially cataloged in 1753 by the famous botanist Carl Linnaeus, often simply denoted as “L.” in scientific literature. This majestic tree is a member of the Ulmaceae family, a group recognized for its hardy and versatile nature.

Geographically, the American elm extends its range across vast areas, from Canada to northern Mexico. It is prevalent in both central and eastern parts of Canada and stretches down through the United States reaching into parts of northern Mexico. This distribution underscores its robust adaptability to a wide range of climatic and soil conditions.

American elms are distinguished by their stately, vase-like shape, which has made them a popular choice for urban landscaping and street trees. They can grow to impressive heights, often reaching up to 80-100 feet, with a spread of 60-70 feet. This expansive canopy provides excellent shade and contributes to their aesthetic and environmental value.

The leaves of the American elm are simple, alternate, and oblong with a distinct asymmetrical base. They have serrated edges and turn a brilliant yellow in the fall, adding to the tree’s ornamental appeal. The bark is dark and deeply furrowed, providing texture and visual interest throughout the year.

Historically, the American elm has faced significant challenges due to Dutch Elm Disease (DED), a fungal infection spread by bark beetles. DED has decimated many elm populations, particularly in urban settings. However, efforts are ongoing to develop disease-resistant varieties to restore and preserve this vital species.

The American elm plays a crucial ecological role, providing habitat and food for various wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Its large canopy contributes to urban cooling, air purification, and overall environmental health.

In summary, Ulmus americana is a versatile and resilient species with significant ecological, historical, and ornamental value. Its widespread occurrence from Canada to northern Mexico highlights its adaptability, and despite challenges like Dutch Elm Disease, it remains an indispensable part of North American flora.

Common Names

Eng: american elm, water elm, white elm
Deu: weißulme, amerikanische ulme
Swe: amerikansk alm
Ita: olmo americano
Fra: orme d’amérique, orme blanc
En: American elm, Water elm, White elm, Homenó’e
Ar: دردار أميركي
Az: Amerika qaraağacı
Eu: Amerikar zumar
Bg: Американски бряст
Zh: 美国榆
Hr: Američki brijest
Fr: Orme d’Amérique, Orme blanc
De: Weißulme, Amerikanische Ulme
He: אולמוס אמריקאי
Is: Hvítálmur
It: Olmo americano
No: Kvitalm
Fa: نارون آمریکایی
Ru: Вяз американский
Sr: Амерички брест
Es: Ameriški brest, Olmo americano
Sv: Amerikansk alm
Tr: Amerika karaağacı

Synonyms

• Ulmus alba (Raf.)
• Ulmus mollifolia (Marshall)
• Ulmus obovata (Raf.)
• Ulmus floridana (Chapm.)
• Ulmus dentata (Raf.)
• Ulmus fulva pendula (Meehan)
• Ulmus americana var. pendula (Aiton)
• Ulmus americana f. laevior (Fernald)
• Ulmus americana var. alba (Aiton)
• Ulmus americana f. alba ((Aiton) Fernald)
• Ulmus americana var. scabra (Spach)
• Ulmus americana f. ascendens (A.D.Slavin)
• Ulmus americana f. pendula ((Aiton) Fernald)
• Ulmus americana var. floridana ((Chapm.) Little)
• Ulmus americana f. intercedens (Fernald)
• Ulmus americana var. glabra (Planch.)
• Ulmus americana var. incisa (Loudon)
• Ulmus americana var. aurea (F.L.Temple ex Rehder)
• Ulmus americana var. aspera (Chapm.)
• Ulmus americana f. viridis (F.Seym.)
• Ulmus americana var. bartramii (Planch.)
• Ulmus americana f. columnaris (Rehder)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Idaho (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Nov 11, 2022 by Jody Smyth (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 15, 2021 by dgarciab (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2017 by Mason Hoffman (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2017 by Rosa Sales (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 20, 2019 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2021 by anna rippl (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2020 by Aldis Niedols (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2021 by jimmysong (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 15, 2021 by dgarciab (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 7, 2021 by anna rippl (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2020 by Aldis Niedols (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2021 by catherine white (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2021 by jimmysong (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2017 by Mason Hoffman (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 27, 2016 by EOL − Jim Varnum (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 8, 2021 by Séverine Rudloff (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2019 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2019 by PT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2018 by Gabriele Martino (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 18, 2020 by Gaël Herve (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2021 by catherine white (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2019 by Joe Daley (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2022 by Acosta García Isabel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2021 by anna rippl (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 17, 2021 by Jarquin Gabriel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2020 by Diana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2006 by EOL − Jenn Forman Orth (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2016 by EOL − Jim Varnum (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 6, 2019 by Deborah Corlew (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5361872)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:304464-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ulmus americana L.)

Specifications

Growth form: Single Stem

Growth habit: Tree

Growth rate: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 5.0