Ulmus americana
Photo by John Lampkin. Photograph belongs to the photographer who allows use for FNPS purposes only. Please contact the photographer for all other uses.
Natural Range in Florida
USDA Zones
Suitable to grow in:
10A 8A 8B 9A 9B
2002-2022, Copyright Florida Native Plant Society
American Elm
Ulmaceae
Also known as Ulmus floridana
Plant Specifics
| Size: | 60-70 ft tall in Florida by 20-40 ft wide | |
| Life Span: | Long-lived perennial | |
| Flower Color: | Green,NA | |
| Fruit Color: | Brown,NA | |
| Phenology: | Deciduous. Inconspicuous blooms in early spring. Life span around 150 yrs (Nelson 2003). | |
| Habitats: | Floodplain forest, wet mesic forests, hardwood swamps. |
Landscaping
| Recommended Uses: | Shade tree, used as a street tree noted for its spreading urn-shaped crown. Tolerant of root disturbance. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Light: | Full Sun, Part Shade | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Moisture Tolerance: |
always floodedextremely dry |
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| Moisture Tolerance: | Usually moist, occasional inundation ----- to ----- Not wet but not extremely dry | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salt Water Flooding Tolerance: | Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salt Spray Tolerance: | Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Soil/Substrate: | Clay, Loam, Sand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wildlife
Seeds used by birds in spring when little else is available.
Used for nesting.
Larval host for: Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma), Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis), Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)