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-lanceolate, noticeably asymmetrical or unequal at the base
Margin
Doubly serrate (coarsely toothed with smaller teeth on the primary teeth)
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with very straight, parallel prominent lateral veins running directly to the margins
Key Features
Unequal (asymmetrical) leaf base, sharply doubly serrate margins, straight parallel lateral veins, rough sandpaper-like leaf texture, and a distinctive vase-like tree growth form
Description
The American Elm is a majestic, large deciduous tree famously recognized for its graceful vase-shaped canopy, arching branches, and deeply furrowed gray bark. Its foliage consists of alternate, simple leaves distinguished by a sharply asymmetrical base where one side of the leaf blade meets the petiole significantly lower than the other. The tree produces small, inconspicuous greenish wind-pollinated flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge, followed by papery, flat, winged samaras.
Habitat
Rich bottomland forests, floodplains, along streams, and moist uplands; thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, from Nova Scotia west to Alberta, and south to Florida and Texas