American Elm
Scientific name: Ulmus americana
This iconic tree once graced the streets of most American towns. Fast growing, with a distinctive vase shaped crown and arching branches these were widely planted and admired. So many elms were planted in New Haven, Connecticut that it was nicknamed ‘Elm City’. Sadly this tree was decimated by the Dutch elm disease which came to this country in 1930’s on imported lumber. A beetle transmitted this from tree to tree, killing them before they could reach maturity. There still are elm trees about today as even young trees produce seed, but they tend to succumb to illness before reaching maturity unless treated with fungicide.
and the Missouri DEC
Leaves
Oval shaped with double saw tooth edges and pointy tips. The veins are very visible and the shape is not symmetrical at the base.
Fruit
Its seeds are produced in late spring and can germinate right away.
Good To Know
- Scientists have been developing strains that are resistant to disease.
- There are elms to be found in our woods in Lewisboro.
- Next time you take a hike, see if you can’t find one!
Habitat
Traditionally was found in rich bottomlands, floodplains and even on swampy ground.
Leaves
Oval shaped with double saw tooth edges and pointy tips. The veins are very visible and the shape is not symmetrical at the base.
Bark
Rough with deep grooves. Look for visible roots, the same color as the bark to help you make an identification.
Fruit
Its seeds are produced in late spring and can germinate right away.
Ecosystem Connections
The many seeds produced by the elm are a source of food for wildlife.
How You Can Help
A few ems have been found to have a natural resistance to the disease. ‘Princeton’, ‘Valley Forge’ and ‘New Harmony’ are several varieties that have been hybridized and are now available at nurseries to plant in your yard and along sidewalks and driveways.
Central Park
There are stands and tree lined walkways with mature American Elms that have survived. They are carefully monitored for any sign of disease by the conservancy. See the photo below.
Elms in Central Park
GLangille Flickr
Beetle Larvae Tracks
Cynthia Cheney Flickr
Characteristic Shape
Credit Wendy Brown
Old Photograph
From Encyclopedia
More on Trees and Shrubs in Lewisboro
Lewisboro was once entirely forested except for patches of open field caused by fire and wetlands and ponds which were expanded by beaver dams. Although it is hard to believe, by 1800 most of Lewisboro’s forests had been cut down and replaced by farms. In 1820 so many trees had been cleared that there was no shade anywhere along the route from Boston to New York.[1] But by the mid-1800’s farming here became uneconomical and as farms were abandoned, the forests began to re-grow. Today, 70% of New York is once again forest, what some call ‘the great environmental story of the United States’[2]. These new forests provide us with beauty and recreation, clean air and water, flood control, erosion prevention, carbon sequestration, cooler temperatures and habitat for other plants, insects, birds and other wildlife.
[1] Cronon, William. Changes in the Land. Macmillan, 1983.
[2] An Explosion of Green. B. Mckibben. Atlantic Monthly 275 (April 1995): 61-83.