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.