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Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Ulmus americana L.
American elm
Ulmaceae (Elm Family)
USDA Symbol: ulam
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Three distinct habits are recognized including the vase-shaped form in which the trunk divides into several erect limbs strongly arched above and terminating in numerous slender, pendulous branchlets. A more wide-spreading and less arching form occurs, as well as a narrow form with branchlets clothing the entire trunk. The species usually grows 60-80 ft. Dark-green leaves have variable fall color. Large, handsome, graceful tree, often with enlarged buttresses at base, usually forked into many spreading branches, drooping at ends, forming a very broad, rounded, flat-topped or vaselike crown, often wider than high.
This well-known, once abundant species, familiar on lawns and city streets, has been ravaged by the Dutch Elm disease, caused by a fungus introduced accidentally about 1930 and spread by European and native elm bark beetles. The wood is used for containers, furniture, and paneling. Because of its fundamental architectural form, this is the ideal street tree. Its branches meet across the road in a vaulted arch that permits the passage of high vehicles.(Peattie)
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Size Class: 72-100 ft.
Fruit Type: Samara
Leaf Color: Green
Autumn Foliage: yes
Fruit Color: Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Red , GreenBloom Time: Feb , Mar , Apr
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , MT , NE , NH , NJ , NY , NC , ND , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VT , VA , WV , WI , WY , DCCanada: MB , NB , NS , ON , PE , QC , SK
Native Distribution: N.S., s. Man & s.e. Sask. & Crook Co. WY, s. to FL & c. TX
Native Habitat: Stream banks; lowland areas
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: HighLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Moist, fertile soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay, Limestone-based
Conditions Comments: Prefers full sun and well drained soils. Good heat tolerance. Susceptible to Dutch elm disease.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Shade tree, Fast growing, Attractive, Fall conspicuousUse Wildlife: Seeds-granivorous birds,Cover,Nesting site,Substrate-insectivorous birds,Seeds-Small mammals, Browse.
Use Other: Because it is relatively odourless, the wood was used to make crates and barrels for cheeses, fruits and vegetables.
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies
Larval Host: Mourning Cloak, Columbia silkmoth, Question Mark butterfly, Painted Lady butterfly, Comma buterfly.
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Ulmus americana is a larval host and/or nectar source for:|
Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma)  Larval Host |
Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)  Larval Host |
Columbia silkmoth (Hyalophora columbia)  Larval Host |
Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)  Larval Host |
|
Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)  Larval Host |
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Question: What is the best fastest growing shade tree for central Texas? Thanks
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Question: I live in Ponder, Tx. We have some acreage and horses and wish to plant trees to afford some shade for the horses. Can you tell me what trees are toxic to horses.
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Question: We live in Kempner Texas, our land has mostly cedar trees. We would like to make a wildlife habitat on the back side of our property. Can you recommend plants that will grow in shade to partial sun, compatible with cedar and wildlife friendly? Also we want a good shade tree for our front.
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Question: I'm looking for a tree for a cemetery plot in Karnes County at Pana Maria. There will be someone to regularly water it. I understand live oak and pecan are native to the area. I assume these would be good trees. But are there any other nice trees that would do well in the area based on size, longevity, looks or appropriateness for a cemetery?
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From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Pineywoods Native Plant Center - Nacogdoches, TX
Brackenridge Field Laboratory - Austin, TX
Nueces River Authority - Uvalde, TX
Stengl Biological Research Station - Smithville, TX
Bibliography
Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants (2009) Tallamy, Douglas W.Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America (2005) Covell, C.V., Jr.
Field Guide to Western Butterflies (Peterson Field Guides) (1999) Opler, P.A. and A.B. Wright
Native & Naturalized Woody Plants of Austin & the Hill Country (1981) Lynch, D.
* Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski
Natural History of Trees of Eastern & Central North America (1991) Peattie, D.C. & P. H. Landacre
Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife (1999) Damude, N. & K.C. Bender
Trees of Central Texas (1984) Vines, Robert A.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Ulmus americana in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Ulmus americana in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Ulmus americana
Metadata
Record Modified: 2009-12-12Research By: TWC Staff
