American Elm (White Elm, Water Elm)
Ulmus americana · Ulmaceae (Elm family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Oblate to ovate with an asymmetric, unequal base
Margin
Doubly serrate (coarsely toothed with smaller teeth on the main teeth)
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with very prominent, straight, parallel lateral veins that run directly from the midrib to the marginal teeth without branching.
Key Features
Asymmetric leaf base, doubly serrate margins, straight unbranched parallel veins running to the edge, and rough upper leaf texture.
Description
The American Elm is a majestic, large deciduous tree famously recognized for its graceful vase-like shape, arching branches, and wide-spreading canopy. The leaves are distinctive due to their sharply pointed tips and pronouncedly unequal, asymmetric leaf bases where one side of the blade attaches lower on the petiole than the other.
Habitat
Bottomland forests, floodplains, rich river valleys, and moist uplands. Prefers deep, fertile, moist soils but exhibits high adaptability.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, spanning from Nova Scotia west to Alberta, and south to Florida and central Texas.