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Princeton elm

Ulmus americana 'Princeton'

Common names:
Princeton elm

Content Detail

The Princeton elm exhibits good resistance to Dutch elm disease (DED) and demonstrates resistance to elm beetles as well. This large, fast-growing tree is tolerant of many adverse site conditions. 

This plant is a cultivar of a species that is native to the Chicago region according to Swink and Wilhelm’s Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research. Cultivars are plants produced in cultivation by selective breeding or via vegetative propagation from wild plants identified to have desirable traits.

  • Family (English) Elm
  • Family (botanic) Ulmaceae
  • Planting site City parkway, Residential and parks, Restricted sites, Wide median
  • Tree or plant type Tree
  • Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
  • Native locale Non-native
  • Size range Large tree (more than 40 feet)
  • Mature height 50-70 feet
  • Mature width 30-50 feet
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
  • Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
  • Tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil, Dry sites, Occasional drought, Occasional flooding, Road salt, Wet sites
  • Season of interest early fall, mid fall
  • Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
  • Shape or form Vase-shaped
  • Growth rate Fast
  • Transplants well Yes
  • Wildlife Migrant birds
  • Has cultivars NA

Native geographic location and habitat:

This is a cultivated species of a native tree.

Bark color and texture :

The dark gray bark is ridged and furrowed.

Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture:

Alternate, oval, pointed leaves have doubly toothed margins. The leaf is shorter on one side of the center vein than on the other. Color is dark green in summer and changes to yellow in fall.

Flower arrangement, shape, and size:

Inconspicuous flowers in early spring.

Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions:

Seeds are contained  in small oval samaras (seed cases with wings for wind dispersal).

Plant care:

Generally, elms prefer sun. They adapt easily to extremes in soil pH and moisture, and are heat and wind tolerant. Pruning  should be done in the dormant season.

List of pests, diseases, tolerances and resistance:

Elm yellows, elm phloem necrosis, elm leaf miner, and verticillium wilt are potential problems. This cultivar has good resistance to Dutch elm disease and some resistance to elm leaf beetle. Tolerant of black walnut toxicity.

 

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