Most elms grow rapidly and have a moderate to long life span. Probably the most notable feature of most elms is the vase-shaped, upright form. Some are rounded and weeping. They flower at different times, depending on the species. The flower is small and not showy, but those that bloom in early spring do so before leaves appear, adding interest to an already handsome silhouette.
Leaves hide flowers that bloom in summer or fall.
Fall leaf color of many species is showy yellow, while others may be yellow to reddish-purple. The bark of other species is not outstanding. The American elm was once the favorite shade tree in the United States. It is large, tough and long-lived and, with its arching form, was favored as a street tree, as well as a lawn specimen. In the last few decades, however, millions of elms of different species have been killed by Dutch elm disease, both in the United States and Europe.