Ulmus americana 'Jefferson' (American Elm)

The 'Jefferson' cultivar of Ulmus americana, also commonly called American elm or Jefferson elm, is an ornamental cultivar chosen for its high resistance to the fungus Ophiostoma ulmi, the fungal pathogen responsible for the normally debilitating Dutch Elm Disease. 'Jefferson' was the best performing cultivar among 600 trees originally planted on the National mall in Washington DC for disease trial testing. Beyond its disease resistance Ulmus americana 'Jefferson' is a fast-growing tree, which typically grows to 60-80' tall and approximately 40-50' wide. Ulmus americana flowers are produced in the spring, and are small and inconspicuous in shades of yellow and red. Though not necessarily showy due to the typical size of an elm tree, pollinated flowers produce rounded, papery samaras (winged seed cases) that contrast beautiful against large, glossy, serrated ovate leaves.

'Jefferson' elm works wonderfully as a yard, specimen, or shade tree, and is a keystone plant through much of its range, acting as host to a variety of insect residents, including butterfly larvae and many varieties of beetle. In addition to insect hosts, Ulmus americana is an excellent food and shelter source for a number of birds and small mammals. With all of its ecological benefits, its disease resistance, and its classic upright form, 'Jefferson' elm makes for an incredible addition to open yards or in a larger restoration projects, and its attractive golden yellow fall foliage makes it quite an ornamental selection to boot.