American Elm

The American Elm is native to much of Eastern North America, and it grows in low moist areas and along streams across the state of Missouri. This tree was once widely planted along streets and lawns in cities across the US, but populations were decimated by Dutch Elm Disease, which has led to the destruction of millions of elms across the globe.

The ‘Valley Forge’ cultivar is best known for its resistance to the Dutch Elm Disease. The pathogen is a fungus (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi) that is carried by multiple genera of bark beetles (Hylurgopinus and Scolytus) and is incurable once a tree is infected. The cultivar was only recently introduced (1995), so none of them have grown to maturity (60+ years in age) yet. It is expected, however, to grow upwards of 70ft in height like the wild-type American Elm species.

Common Name	American Elm
Latin Name	Ulmus americana
Indigenous Name(s)
Cultivar/Variety	‘Valley Forge’
Commercial Name

More about Tree #31:

Where to find Arbor Walk #31

Data on the space around this tree

Data on this tree over time

More about the American Elm in general:

How to identify American Elm

Relationship of Ulmus americana to other species in the Arboretum

Global Distribution of American Elm

Additional Resources on the American Elm