treeN. America Native

Princeton Elm

Name: Princeton Elm
Brand: Ulmus
Availability: InStock

Ulmus americana 'Princeton'

$112.95

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Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

840 inches

Width

600 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Ulmus americana is the classic American Elm, a large, graceful, vase-shaped deciduous tree that once lined streets across the country. It has dark green leaves that turn a beautiful yellow in the fall. 'Princeton' is a cultivar selected in 1922 that has shown a high degree of resistance to Dutch Elm Disease (DED). It has a classic, upright, vase-shaped habit and a faster growth rate than many other DED-resistant elms.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Celebrated for its classic, graceful, vase-shaped form that creates a beautiful canopy over streets and lawns. Its return to the landscape brings back a piece of American history.

An excellent shade tree that is highly tolerant of urban conditions, including poor soils and pollution. Its fast growth rate provides benefits relatively quickly.

The American elm is a host plant for the larvae of several butterfly species, including the Eastern Comma and Mourning Cloak. It also provides nesting sites for birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Fast Growing Trees

In Stock$112.95

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with well-drained soil
Dig a hole two to three times the root ball's width
Set the tree so its root flare is at or slightly above soil level
Backfill with existing soil and water to settle
Mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk
Water deeply and regularly for the first few seasons

Pro Tip

Prune when young to develop a strong structure and remove co-dominant leaders to prevent future splitting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Monitor for elm leaf beetles and Japanese beetles.
Provide supplemental water in extended droughts.
Prune in late winter to maintain its classic vase shape.

Don't

Do not prune during the growing season (April-August) to avoid attracting elm bark beetles.
Do not plant in compacted or poorly drained soil.
Do not assume it is completely immune to Dutch Elm Disease; monitor its health.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Graceful and historic street treeStately shade tree for large lawnsFormal avenue or park planting

Companion Plants

Vinca minor Pachysandra terminalis Hosta Ferns

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Princeton Elm questions

What zones can Princeton Elm grow in?

Princeton Elm is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Princeton Elm deer resistant?

Yes — Princeton Elm is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Princeton Elm bloom?

Princeton Elm typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Princeton Elm need full sun?

Princeton Elm does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Princeton Elm drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Princeton Elm handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.