Central Park Conservancy

American Elm

Scientific Name: Ulmus Americana
Common Name: American Elm
Division: Magnoliophyta
Family: Ulmaceae
Genus: Ulmus

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The American elm, which has been decimated all through its range by the ravages of Dutch elm disease, is alive and thriving in Central Park.  Our major stands are at the Mall and along Fifth Avenue, but the American Elm is common throughout the Park.  This most graceful tree — massive, yet delicate — is truly interesting in all four seasons.

American Elm trees

American elms along Fifth Avenue

Flower
Detail of American Elm flower 		 Small, not showy, growing in clusters appearing early spring.  In mild winters have bloomed as early as late January.

Fruit
Detail of American Elm fruit

 Round, flat wafer-like samaras (wing seeds), 3/8 to 1/2 inch across.
Leaf
Detail of American Elm leaf 		 Simple alternate, oblong, serrated margin 3 to 6 inches long.  Leathery dark green on top, paler underneath.
Bark
Detail of American Elm bark 		 Gray furrowed with ridges that are somewhat scaly.

 

Form:  Vase-shaped with large arching branches, producing cathedral-like effect when planted in rows.

LOCATIONS IN CENTRAL PARK
The Mall/Literary Walk, mid-Park from 66th to 72nd Streets
East Meadow, inside the Park at 99th Street and Fifth Avenue
North Meadow, mid-Park from 97th to 102nd Streets
Very common through Central Park

Photo Credit:
Steve Baskauf, bioimages.vanderbilt.edu/
Matthew Brown, Central Park Conservancy
Neil Calvanese, Central Park Conservancy