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American Elm

American Elm

Ulmus americana

Endangered Endangered

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Plantae
Abundance: Uncommon
Habitat: Forest, Wetland
Active Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall

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

Scientific Name

Ulmus americana

Common Name

American Elm
Plant Type
Tree
Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering Season
February-March

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).

Active Seasons

Spring Summer Fall

Habitat Types

Forest
Wetland

Geographic Distribution

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

Local Abundance

Uncommon

Conservation Status

Endangered

This species faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

Endangered Species

This species is at risk of extinction. Conservation efforts are critical for its survival.

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.

How You Can Help

  • Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
  • Support habitat conservation efforts
  • Follow guidelines when observing wildlife
  • Support conservation organizations working to protect this species
No field notes or observations available for this species.

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