ULMUS AMERICANA – American Elm
The American Elm is a deciduous tree that can be found throughout Eastern North America.
[Elementary School students]
Did you know?
What tree has been attacked by a disease from another country?
* Although once widely planted as a street and lawn tree, American Elm trees have been decimated by Dutch Elm (fungal) disease. The tree is no longer considered to be a good selection for landscape uses.
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a922
Are there new forms (cultivars) of this tree being raised in university nurseries?
* Disease resistant varieties such as Ulmus americana ‘Valley Forge’ are promising. However, the trees are not totally immune from the disease.
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a922
Leaf
http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=41
[Middle School students]
Habitat (where it likes to live)
* Tall growing shade trees up to 100’ tall
* The tree has a ‘vase’ shaped habit (form)
* Eastern and Central North America (Zone 2 to 9)
http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=41
Requirements (what it needs to live)
* Water: Medium
* Maintenance: Low
* Suggested Use: Shade Tree, Street Tree and Residential properties
Identification (what it looks like)
* Sun and part shade
* The ‘vase’ shaped habit of the tree is typical of the species
* Susceptible to Dutch Elm Disease
[High School students]
Habit (how it grows)
* Height: 60 to 80 feet
* Spread: 40 to 70 feet
* Bloom Time: March to April
* Bloom Description: Red to green
* Sun: Full sun
* Tolerate: Drought and air pollution
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a922
Seeds (Samaras)
http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=41
Tree trunk
http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=41
Shade tree
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ulam
* Street Tree – To provide shade for sidewalks and along the road
* Residential – Shade tree in yards
* Parks – Seth Hand Park
References:
- Missouri Botanic Garden – http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a922
- VA Tech – http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=41
- Wildflower Center - https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ulam