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
Elliptical to obovate 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 veins running directly from the central midrib to the margin edge.
Key Features
Distinguished by its strongly asymmetric leaf base where one side of the blade attaches lower on the petiole than the other, coupled with a rough texture and sharply doubly serrate margins.
Description
The American Elm is a large, majestic deciduous tree historically renowned for its graceful, vase-shaped canopy and arching branches that form cathedral-like archways over streets. It features dark grey, deeply furrowed bark, inconspicuous greenish spring flowers, and papery winged samaras.
Habitat
Rich bottomland forests, along streams, floodplains, and moist uplands with well-drained soils, though highly adaptable to urban environments.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, ranging from Nova Scotia west to Alberta, and south to Florida and Texas.