American Elm

Scientific Name

Ulmus americana

A large, handsome, graceful tree, with spreading branches that droop at the ends and often enlarged buttresses at the base. The American Elem has a broad, rounded crown, often making it wider than it is high. The wood is used for containers, furniture, and paneling. Height: 60-100’ Spread: 90’

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Ulmaceae
Genus: Ulmus
Species: Ulmus americana

Habitat

Forest, Wetland

Distribution

Native to eastern North America starting from Canada and south to Florida and Texas

Seasonality

Spring, Summer, Fall

Abundance

Uncommon

Activity Time

Diurnal

Diet

Behavior

Ecological Role

The American Elm is the larval host of a number of species of Lepidoptera, including such butterflies as the Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma), Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa), Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) and Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax), as well moths like the Columbian Silkmoth (Hyalophora columbia).

Conservation Status

Endangered

Threats & Impacts

Dutch elm disease (DED), a fungal disease that has ravaged the American elm, causing catastrophic die-offs in cities across the range. It has been estimated that only approximately 1 in 100,000 American elm trees is DED-tolerant.

ENDANGERED