American Elm (White Elm, Water Elm)
Ulmus americana · Ulmaceae (Elm family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Elliptical to ovate, strongly asymmetrical at the base, tapering to a sharp point
Margin
Doubly serrate (coarsely toothed with smaller teeth on the larger teeth)
Arrangement
Alternate along the twig
Venation
Pinnate, featuring prominent, straight, parallel veins extending from the midrib to the margin
Key Features
Strongly asymmetrical leaf base, rough sandpaper-like upper leaf texture, doubly serrate margins, prominent straight parallel veins, and a vase-shaped tree architecture with interlacing grey-fissured bark
Description
The American Elm is a large, graceful deciduous tree known for its distinctive vase-shaped canopy and arching branches. The leaves are sharply pointed, strongly asymmetrical at the base, and feature heavily textured, pleated surfaces with straight, parallel veins. In spring, small greenish flowers appear before the leaves, followed by papery winged samaras.
Habitat
Rich bottomland forests, floodplains, riverbanks, and moist uplands with well-drained loamy soils; highly adaptable to various urban conditions
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, ranging from Nova Scotia westward to Alberta, and southward to Florida and central Texas