White Elm

Scientific name

Ulmus americana

Description

The White Elm is a fast growing deciduous tree which, when seen from a distance, has a crown that resembles a vase. White Elm has alternate, 10-15 cm long, ovate-oblong shaped leaves with serrated edges. This Species can grow up 30m at maturity. Leaves have a shiny top and a soft-haired underside, which contain 15-20 veins per side. This species' fruit is an oval seedcase which is fringed with hairs and deeply notched at the tip. White Elm bark is deeply furrowed and dark grey/brown with alternating layers of light orange-brown and dark brown bark. This is an ideal species to be planted along shorelines as it grows best in wet environments such as floodplains, rich soil sites, swampy sites, as well as well-drained areas. Unfortunately, many large White Elm trees have fallen victim to Dutch elm disease, a fungal disease that is spread by the Elm Bark Beetle. Dutch elm disease has destroyed a significant portion of the White Elm population within Eastern North America.

Planting conditions

Plant in moist or wet sites on rich, sandy or gravelly soils with good drainage with only partial or no shade.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Normal
  • Moist
  • Wet
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
• Plant type:
  • Tree
• Height:
  • 30m
• Spread:
  • 3m