American Elm (White Elm, Water Elm)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Ulmaceae, Genus: Ulmus, Species: Ulmus americana · Ulmaceae (Elm family) · Simple leaf, deciduous
Species
Ulmus americana
Leaf Type
Simple leaf, deciduous
Family
Ulmaceae (Elm family)
Shape
Elliptical to obovate with an asymmetric, unequally cordant base
Size
Approximately 3 to 4 inches long, which falls within the typical range of 3 to 6 inches for mature leaves of this species.
Margin
Doubly serrate
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Common
Color & Pattern
Deep green on the upper surface and paler green below, turning a dull yellow in autumn with no distinctive variegation.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with prominent, straight parallel lateral veins extending directly to the margin teeth.
Texture & Surface
Rough and scabrous on the upper surface, slightly pubescent on the lower surface, particularly along the veins.
Description
The American Elm is a majestic deciduous tree known for its characteristic vase-shaped canopy and graceful arching branches. The bark is dark gray and deeply furrowed with intersecting ridges. It produces small, inconspicuous greenish flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge, followed by papery, winged seeds called samaras.
Key Features
Distinguished by its prominently asymmetrical leaf base, doubly serrate margins, rough upper leaf surface, and vase-shaped tree architecture.
Habitat
Found in rich bottomland forests, along streams, floodplains, and moist uplands with well-drained soils, though it adapts well to urban conditions.
Geographic Range
Native to eastern North America, stretching from Nova Scotia west to Alberta, and south to Florida and central Texas.
Condition Notes
The leaf appears healthy and mature with a vibrant green color, showing no major signs of insect mining, galls, or severe fungal infection, earning a Good overall condition grade.
Interesting Facts
Historically planted extensively as a shade tree lining American streets, its populations were severely decimated across the continent by Dutch elm disease, a fungal pathogen spread by elm bark beetles.
Medicinal & Uses
Native Americans used the inner bark of various elm species for medicinal teas to treat coughs, sore throats, and wounds. The wood is tough and interlocking, historically used for making furniture, wheel hubs, and agricultural baskets.
Ecological Role
Provides crucial food and nesting habitat for various birds and mammals, and serves as a host plant for the caterpillars of several butterfly and moth species, including the interrogation angle and mourning cloak.
Similar Species
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra), which has an even rougher, sandpaper-like upper leaf surface and mucilaginous inner bark, and Rock Elm (Ulmus thomasi), which features corky ridges on the twigs.
Foraging Tips
Look for large vase-shaped canopy trees near riverbanks or in older urban neighborhoods. Check for the characteristically uneven leaf base when examining fallen leaves or low-hanging branches.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic. The leaves, bark, and seeds are safe for humans and animals.