Google Earth Community: American Elm

American Elm on January 22, 2000

The American Elm (Ulmus americana)) is a magnificent deciduous tree of eastern North America that has a vase-like growth form. It is most common in moist bottom lands, but can grow in drier uplands as well. The one pictured here is passed by numerous motorists each day traveling along busy, but scenic, Suffolk County Route 48 on the North Fork of Long Island.

Range of American Elm. From United States Forest Service

The tree is hermaphroditic, having flowers with both male and female parts. The female flowers are pollinated by the wind, and produce winged seeds.

Unfortunately, many American Elms have been killed by Dutch Elm Disease, which was accidentally introduced to Ohio in 1931 on logs that were imported from the Netherlands for use in making furniture. The disease is spread from one tree to another by the Elm Bark Beetle. Before it was affected by the disease, the species was commonly planted along streets as a shade tree due to its elegant arching form.

United States Forest Service: American Elm

Wikipedia: Ulmus americana

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