Ulmus americana (American Elm)
Plant community: Red Maple Swamp
Native status: Native to Eastern North America
Mature size (height & width):
Height: 60-80 ft
Width: 40-70 ft
Habitat/ Tolerances
Wet land habitat
Drought tolerant
Flood tolerant
Heat tolerant
Wind tolerant
Pollution tolerant
Tolerant to urban conditions
High Susceptibility to Disease (Dutch Elm Disease)
Eco-indicator:
Hardiness zone: 2-9
Leaf color: Dark green leaves in the summer which change to a yellow in the fall
Flower color / bloom time: Reddish-green blooms which come out between March and April
Response to Climate Change:
Despite susceptibility to Dutch Elm disease, climate change is predicted to make temperature conditions more suitable for Elms along the east coast.
Population and biomass expected to increase in suitable habitat with application of disease resistant species
Tolerance to heat and drought make the species adaptable to temperature rise
Potential Climate applications:
If we can develop reliable disease resistant species, American Elms could be a powerful climate change adaption tool.
With its variety of tolerances, resistance to drought, flooding, and urban pollution, The American Elm tree could serve as effective flooding buffers and carbon sinks, “Studies have shown, that a single large American elm, located on the southern side of a home, can intercept 2,384 gallons of storm water, conserve 107 kWh of energy, and sequester 518 pounds of CO2 annually”.
However, the largest obstacle is it’s susceptibility to Dutch Elm disease. Old growth Elms once dominated American floodplain forests and city scapes, but after the introduction of Dutch Elm Disease in the 1930s, Elm populations were devastated (millions lost). Now it is very rare to find Elms as large as they used to be. In order to save the species, researchers are monitoring natural populations, working to develop disease resistant species, and reintroducing these resistant strains to the wild. Many cultivars of the Elm have shown resistance to the disease and could be planted for their climate adaption benefits.
Carbon sink
Erosion control
Climate adaptability rank: 8
http://www.g-wow.org/App_Uploads_Docs/Submissions/2016%20Wisconsin-WesternUP%20Climate%20Change%20Projections%20for%20Individual%20Tree%20Species.pdf
https://blog.nature.org/science/2017/08/09/quest-restore-american-elms-nearing-finish-line/
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a922
https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/american-elm