American Elm — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Ulmus americana |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 14–21 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 15.6–21.1 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 1825–5475 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 914.4–1524 |
| Mature height (cm) | 1219.2–2743.2 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 914.4–1828.8 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 2–9 |
| Light | Partial sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Transplant |
Growing directions
American Elm was for much of the 19th and early 20th centuries the most important street and shade tree in eastern North America, the classic 'cathedral' tree whose interlocking vase-shaped canopies arched over village streets from New England to the Great Plains in an iconic display of American civic beauty — until Dutch Elm Disease (Ophiostoma ulmi), introduced from Europe in the 1930s, devastated the species throughout most of its natural range and removed it from the American streetscape within a few decades. Today, disease-resistant cultivars ('Valley Forge', 'Princeton', 'New Harmony') have restored American Elm to viability in the landscape and are the preferred planting choice for new trees; these cultivars maintain the original graceful, vase-shaped habit that made the species so beloved, with resistance to DED ranging from moderate to strong. American Elm is adaptable to a wide range of soils from wet bottomlands to dry uplands and tolerates urban conditions, road salt, compaction, and air pollution better than most native trees. Plant disease-resistant cultivars in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil; provide adequate space for the wide-spreading mature canopy.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0