American Elm (Ulmus americana) – #7 Container

American Elm (Ulmus americana)

The American Elm is an icon of the North American landscape — a tree whose graceful, vase-shaped silhouette once defined the character of countless streets, parks, and town squares across the continent. With its arching canopy of dark green, textured leaves that turn clear yellow in fall, and its deeply furrowed, dignified bark, the American Elm is a tree of extraordinary beauty and historical significance. Today, disease-resistant selections are bringing this beloved native back to the landscape, offering a chance to restore one of America’s most cherished trees.

Plant Details

• Scientific Name: Ulmus americana
• Common Name: American Elm
• Mature Height: 60–80 ft with a broad, graceful vase-shaped canopy
• Available Size: 8–9 ft tall at time of purchase
• Container Size: #7 (7-gallon pot)
• Growth Rate: Fast — typically 3–6 ft per year under ideal conditions
• Hardiness Zones: 2–9

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to partial shade; best growth and form in full sun
• Soil: Highly adaptable; tolerates wet, dry, clay, sandy, and compacted soils; one of the most soil-tolerant large shade trees available
• Water: Low to moderate once established; tolerates periodic flooding and drought
• Maintenance: Low — prune in late fall or winter to reduce disease risk; select disease-resistant cultivars for best long-term performance

Landscape Uses

An unmatched shade and street tree whose iconic vase shape creates a natural cathedral canopy over roads, walkways, and open spaces. Its fast growth makes it one of the quickest ways to establish significant shade in a landscape. The American Elm supports a rich diversity of native insects and caterpillars, and its seeds are an important early-season food source for songbirds. Planting a disease-resistant American Elm is an act of ecological restoration — and a gift to future generations.

Plant arrives in a 7-gallon container at 8–9 ft in height, ready to transplant into your landscape.