American Elm (White Elm, Water Elm)
Ulmus americana · Ulmaceae (Elm family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Ovate to obovate with an asymmetric (unequal) base
Margin
Doubly serrate (coarsely toothed with smaller teeth on the main teeth)
Arrangement
Alternate along the twig
Venation
Pinnate venation with prominent, straight, parallel side veins extending to the margin
Key Features
Unequal or asymmetric leaf base, doubly serrate margins, rough sandpaper-like texture on the upper surface, and prominent straight parallel veins branching from the midrib
Description
The American Elm is a majestic, large deciduous tree famously recognized for its graceful, vase-like crown and arching branches. The bark is dark gray and deeply furrowed with interlacing flat-topped ridges. It produces small, inconspicuous greenish flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge, followed by small, flat, winged seeds called samaras. The leaves are characteristically askew at the base where the blade meets the petiole.
Habitat
Bottomland forests, floodplains, rich moist soils along streams, and river valleys; highly adaptable to various soil types and urban pollution
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, stretching from Nova Scotia west to Alberta, and south to Florida and central Texas