AMERICAN ELM Ulmus americana
• A stately, iconic North American native tree once widely planted across prairie towns for its impressive size, longevity, and classic vase‑shaped canopy that arches to form cathedral‑like boulevards.
• Features dark green, serrated leaves that create dense summer shade and turn soft yellow in fall.
• Strongly upright branching with a high canopy makes it excellent for streets, parks, and large residential lots.
• Produces small, inconspicuous spring flowers followed by papery samaras; neither are ornamental.
• Highly adaptable to prairie soils and climates, performing well in urban conditions when given adequate moisture.
• Not drought tolerant — requires consistent soil moisture, especially in youth, and shows stress during prolonged dry periods.
• Susceptible to Dutch Elm Disease in many regions, though Alberta’s sanitation program has kept infection rates extremely low; still requires periodic monitoring and pruning.
• Full Sun
• Zone 2, 20–30 m Height × 15–20 m Width
