American Elm
This native of the United States was once the most iconic street tree of towns across the eastern 2/3 of the United States however Dutch Elm disease led to a rapid decline in this once widely used tree. Luckily there have been several resistant varieties that are helping this tree make a comeback in the landscape. A full-grown American Elm can reach 60 to 80 feet in height. There are three different shapes that American elms can grow, the “vase shape” that is stereotypical of most American Elms see photo at right), an “oak shape” and a narrow form with short branches covering the entire trunk. The dark green, glossy leaves are three to six inches long and one to three inches wide with serrated edges. The leaves turn a brilliant yellow in the fall. Though Dutch Elm Disease has wiped out many American Elms across the United States there have been several resistant varieties that are available on the market. Some of the most common include “Princeton”, “Valley Forge”, “New Harmony”, and a variety selected out of Wichita called “Jackson.” Unfortunately, the American Elm will always be a reminder that we should avoid monocultures in our landscaping and street trees. Though the American Elm suffered a major setback it is slowly making a resurgence due to resistant varieties.
