Notable American Elms
The American elm (Ulmus americana) can grow to great size, and in open settings spread its branches widely. Since elm wood had few uses before the 20th century, many elms were left standing, and continued to grow, as forestland in its range was cleared for farming or settlement.
Historical or traditional associations involving already-large elms often led to their continued preservation, allowing such trees to reach immense sizes. However, the generally open rather than forested settings of these big trees leaves them particularly vulnerable to lightning and windstorm damage. Also, in recent decades, Dutch elm disease has weakened or killed many if not most of these huge, old elm trees.
The following are among the best-known of these huge historical American elms; for more examples, see the longer list in the article on the elm genus (Ulmus).
Read more about this topic: Ulmus Americana
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