Overview
Ulmus americana is a spreading branched trees in the genus Ulmus, part of the Ulmaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Ulmus americana grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens.
About
Ulmus americana, commonly known as American water elm or American white elm, is a deciduous tree within the Ulmus genus, which comprises spreading branched trees known for their elliptical or ovate leaves and striking autumn colours. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for well-drained conditions. Suitable for coastal, cottage, informal, and wildlife gardens, it is hardy to UK zone H6 and benefits from staking when young. Propagation can be achieved through seed, softwood cuttings, chip budding, or grafting.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ulmus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Ulmus americana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ulmus americana
- Propagation
- Seed, Softwood cuttings, Chip budding, Grafting
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Bark beetles, Horse chestnut scale, Elm gall mites
- Disease resistance
- Dutch elm disease, Coral spot, Honey fungus, Phytophthora
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ulmus americana?
Ulmus americana prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Ulmus americana need?
Ulmus americana is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Ulmus americana hardy in the UK?
Ulmus americana has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Ulmus americana?
Seed, Softwood cuttings, Chip budding, Grafting.
More in the Ulmus genus
- Ulmus 'Frontier'elm 'Frontier'
- Ulmus 'Patriot'elm 'Patriot'
- Ulmus 'San Zanobi'
- Ulmus bergmanniana
- Ulmus carpinifolia 'Umbraculifera'globe elm
- Ulmus minor 'Dehesa de la Villa'PBR
- Ulmus minor subsp. minorEuropean field elm
- Ulmus parvifolia 'Hokkaido'Chinese elm 'Hokkaido'
