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Seeds In A Cup®A LITTLE SEED. A NEW BEGINNING.

GROW SOMETHING WONDERFUL

American Elm

Ulmus americana

Your guide to planting, growing, and getting to know this plant.

THE PLANT NOTEBOOK

American Elm care, from seed onward.

Botanical name
Ulmus americana
Common names
White Elm, Water Elm
Family
Ulmaceae
Genus
Ulmus
Species
U. americana
01

Start growing

Fast-growing; prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. High pollution tolerance.

02

Growing with your kit

The Seeds In A Cup® methodology involves early-spring sowing in the greenhouse lid to mimic the natural floodplain germination cycle.

03

Propagation

By seed or softwood cuttings.

04

Seasonal growth & harvest

Produces small, winged seeds (samaras) in early spring before leaves appear.

05

Growing conditions

Rich bottomlands, floodplains, and riverbanks.

06

Weather & tolerances

High wind resistance; moderately flood tolerant.

07

Pests & plant health

Highly susceptible to Dutch Elm Disease (DED). Resistant cultivars are recommended.

08

Plant safety

Safe for all.

09

Botanical features

A large deciduous tree with a distinctive vase-like canopy and serrated leaves with asymmetrical bases.

10

Varieties

‘Valley Forge’, ‘Princeton’ (DED-resistant).

11

Garden & everyday uses

Iconic street tree. timber used for hubs, crates, and stable flooring due to its interlocking grain

12

Native range & distribution

Eastern and Central North America.

13

Conservation

Significant populations lost to DED; conservation of resistant strains is a priority.

14

Name origins

Latin ‘ulmus’ (Elm); ‘americana’ refers to its native range.

15

History

The ‘Liberty Tree’ in Boston was an American Elm; it became a symbol of the American Revolution.

Grow american elm in a cup.