American Elm

This tree is subject to Dutch elm disease. Dutch elm disease has not been detected in Florida (IFAS 2008). In most of eastern North America, this tree has largely disappeared from landscape use due to mass mortality from Dutch elm disease.



Shade tree, used as a street tree noted for its spreading urn-shaped crown. Tolerant of root disturbance.

Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water.



Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

While Dutch elm disease has not been detected in Florida (IFAS, 2018), the planting practices that result in massive losses of street trees north of Florida (planting in rows along strees esp. where root graphs could occur) would be good to avoid.

Seeds used by birds in spring when little else is available.

Used for nesting.

Floodplain forest, wet mesic forests, hardwood swamps.

• Fall color, Interesting foliage
• Larval host for: Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma), Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis), Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)