treeN. America Native

Colonial Spirit American Elm

Ulmus americana 'Colonial Spirit'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

780 inches

Width

660 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 to humans and pets

The Story

Plant Bio

Ulmus americana, the American Elm, is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree famed for its graceful, vase-shaped habit and arching branches. It is highly adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions and urban environments. Colonial Spirit® is a modern cultivar selected for its high resistance to Dutch elm disease, allowing a new generation to enjoy the classic American Elm form. It exhibits vigorous growth and a strong, upright vase shape.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The Colonial Spirit® American Elm restores the iconic, graceful vase shape to the American landscape. Its grand stature and arching canopy create a powerful focal point, with pleasant yellow fall color and an elegant winter silhouette.

As a large shade tree, it is exceptionally effective at cooling homes, streets, and parks, reducing energy consumption. Its adaptability to urban soils and pollution makes it a resilient choice for challenging city environments.

This native tree is a host plant for the larvae of several butterfly and moth species, including the Eastern Comma and Mourning Cloak. Its seeds provide food for birds and small mammals, and its large canopy offers shelter and nesting sites.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location with full sun and ample space to grow.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at ground level.
Backfill with the original soil, gently tamping to remove air pockets.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, avoiding contact with the trunk.

Pro Tip

Prune in late winter to maintain its classic vase shape and remove any crossing branches before leaves emerge.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply and regularly during the first few years to establish roots.
Maintain a large mulch ring to protect the trunk and retain soil moisture.
Monitor for pests like elm leaf beetle and address infestations early.
Conduct structural pruning every few years when young to ensure good form.

Don't

Do not plant in a location where its mature size will conflict with structures.
Avoid wounding the bark with mowers or string trimmers.
Do not over-fertilize, which can lead to weak, rapid growth.
Never top the tree; it ruins its natural form and health.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Majestic shade tree for large lawnsClassic street or park treeStately specimen for formal landscapes

Companion Plants

Quercus rubra Acer saccharum Tilia americana Hostas (as underplanting) Hydrangea arborescens (as underplanting)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Colonial Spirit American Elm questions

What zones can Colonial Spirit American Elm grow in?

Colonial Spirit American 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 Colonial Spirit American Elm deer resistant?

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

When does Colonial Spirit American Elm bloom?

Colonial Spirit American 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 Colonial Spirit American Elm need full sun?

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

Is Colonial Spirit American Elm drought tolerant?

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