Pet Safe
moderate Care
American elm
Ulmus americana 'Valley Forge'
The American elm (Ulmus americana ‘Valley Forge’) is a majestic and graceful tree that grows to a height of 50-80 feet. Its oval-shaped canopy is thick and spreads wide, making it an excellent shade tree. It produces small, fragrant flowers in the summer and is a favorite of wildlife. Its bright green, serrated leaves turn yellow-orange in the fall before fluttering to the ground. It’s beloved for its high tolerance of heat, cold, drought, and air pollution and is a popular choice for urban areas. This tree is especially famous for its place in the American Revolution, when soldiers camped beneath its branches during Valley Forge.
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water Needs
medium
USDA Hardiness Zones
Zone 2Zone 3Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9
Hardiness Map
Green areas show climates worldwide where this plant can grow.
Zone 2Zone 3Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9
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Water Every
"7-10" days
Sun Needs
full-sun
Growth
High
Care Level
Moderate
Watering Schedule
Frequency
Day 1"7-10" daysDay NaN
💧 Water every "7-10" days
Seasonal Adjustments
Adjust watering frequency based on temperature, humidity, and season. Water more frequently in summer and less in winter.
Pro Tip: Check soil moisture before watering. Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil—if it's dry, it's time to water!
Season
Fall
Sep Oct Nov
Winter
Dec Jan Feb
Spring
Mar Apr May
Summer
Jun Jul Aug
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
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Starts Flowering
Starts Flowering
Starts Flowering
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Pruning Time
Flowering
How to Propagate
Air Layering Propagation
Bend stem to soil surface, cover lightly, roots form in 4-6 weeks
Grafting Propagation
Join scion to rootstock, bind securely until healed
Cutting
Take 4-6" cuttings in spring, root in water or moist soil
Seed Propagation
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date
Plant Characteristics
Drought Tolerant
Is This Plant Right for You?
Good For:
- •Forgetful waterers
- •Homes with pets
Consider Carefully:
- •Indoor growing
Bloom Seasons
spring
Care Tips
Light Requirements
Needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place in the sunniest spot in your garden.
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when top inch of soil is dry.
Best Planting Time
Plant in early spring or fall for best results. Blooms in spring.