- A cultivar of the native American elm that is resistant to Dutch Elm Disease (DED). Developed and released by the National Arboretum in 2005. Jefferson is considered highly resistant to DED. Jefferson develops an umbrella shaped crown with strong branch unions. The original tree is 80 years old, 70 ft high and 36” dia. In lower right image. Use for lawn and street planting and in large public spaces such as parks and cemeteries.
Ornamental features:
- Unsurpassed for its graceful shape and arching branches.
- Upright vase-like form creates a high open canopy.
- Lustrous dark green foliage that leafs early and drops late.
- Golden yellow fall color.
- Easy to transplant with very rapid growth.
Horticulture profile:
- Zone 2 to 9
- Grows 60 to 80 ft Tall x 30 to 50 ft Wide.
- Medium to fast growth rate 20 to 25 ft in 10 years.
- Tolerant of extreme soil conditions, heavy clay soil, salt, drought and flooding, acid to high pH soils.
- Requires careful pruning when young to develop a strong central leader and good branching pattern.
- American elm native from Newfoundland south to Florida. Original tree on the national mall in Washington D.C.