There are other species besides the American elm, and some are hardy in South Carolina except along the coast from Charleston south to Savannah, Georgia. While most species reach 30 to 70 feet in height, and 30 to 60 feet in width, the American elm species will grow 80 to 130 feet high and 60 to 120 feet wide.
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.