treeN. America Native

Prairie Expedition American Elm

Ulmus americana 'Lewis & Clark'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

660 inches

Width

660 inches

Light

Full 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. Prairie Expedition® is a clone of a lone survivor tree found in North Dakota, giving it exceptional cold hardiness down to zone 2. It has proven highly resistant to Dutch elm disease and maintains the classic American Elm vase shape.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Prairie Expedition® brings the majestic form of the American Elm to the coldest parts of the country. Its perfect vase shape provides a strong architectural element in the landscape, complemented by golden-yellow fall color.

This tree's extreme cold hardiness and proven toughness make it an excellent choice for difficult northern prairie climates. It provides dense shade and serves as a long-lived legacy tree for parks, campuses, and large properties.

As a native Ulmus americana, it supports a wide range of native insects, which in turn provide food for birds. It is a larval host for butterflies like the Mourning Cloak and offers nesting sites for birds like the Baltimore Oriole.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with room for a large tree.
Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball.
Set the tree so its root flare is slightly above the soil line.
Backfill with native soil, watering halfway to eliminate air pockets.
Water deeply immediately after planting.
Mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

For northern climates, fall planting allows roots to establish before the ground freezes, promoting vigorous spring growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent water for the first two seasons.
Prune for structure when the tree is young.
Protect the young trunk from sunscald in harsh winter climates.
Allow ample space for its mature spread.

Don't

Do not amend the backfill soil; encourage roots to grow into native soil.
Avoid planting too deep, which can lead to root rot.
Don't prune in spring when elm bark beetles are active.
Refrain from using weed killers near the root zone.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Hardy shade tree for northern climatesTough specimen for prairie and plains landscapesDurable park and boulevard tree

Companion Plants

Panicum virgatum Schizachyrium scoparium Amelanchier alnifolia Cornus sericea Tilia americana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Prairie Expedition American Elm questions

What zones can Prairie Expedition American Elm grow in?

Prairie Expedition 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 Prairie Expedition American Elm deer resistant?

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

When does Prairie Expedition American Elm bloom?

Prairie Expedition 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 Prairie Expedition American Elm need full sun?

Prairie Expedition American Elm does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Prairie Expedition American Elm drought tolerant?

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