Traits
Varieties We Bring In
Standard · American
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We received some Elm on Jul 19, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
Last received Jul 19, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
Pet toxicity: not on file, check before planting where pets chew
Pet safety guideAbout Elm
Elms (Ulmus spp.) are large, fast-growing deciduous shade trees with asymmetrical toothed leaves, attractive vase-shaped canopies, and small winged fruits. In NE Florida, native Florida Elm (U. americana var. floridana) and Winged Elm (U. alata) are recommended, both adapted to zones 8A–9B and a wide range of local soil conditions.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Clay, Acidic, Alkaline, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended months: January, February, March, October, November, December.
Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
Elms perform best in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light daily. In NE Florida, site in open areas away from structures to allow for their large mature canopy. Adaptable to urban conditions including heat and reflected light.
Water regularly during the first 1-2 years to establish a deep root system. Mature elms are relatively drought-tolerant but benefit from deep irrigation during extended dry periods in NE Florida's sandy soils. Avoid keeping soil waterlogged.
Adaptable to a wide range of Florida soils including sandy, clay, loam, acid, or alkaline conditions. Feed young trees with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring to encourage establishment. Prune to a dominant central leader while young to improve storm resistance.
Similar needs
Autograph Tree
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Buttonwood
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Fiddlewood
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Golden Rain Tree
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Leyland Cypress
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Redbud
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
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Common questions
Is Elm a good plant for St. Augustine?
Elm is a tree. Mature size: 60-80 feet (Florida Elm); 45-70 feet (Winged Elm); varies by species × 30-60 feet depending on species. Light: Full Sun. Water needs: Moderate. Elm is native to Florida. Recorded hardiness zone: 9a.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.