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 ovate with an asymmetrical (unequal) leaf base
Margin
Doubly serrate (coarsely toothed with smaller teeth along the major teeth)
Arrangement
Alternate along the twig
Venation
Pinnate venation with very straight, parallel prominent veins extending directly to the margin
Key Features
Distinctively asymmetrical leaf base where one side of the blade meets the petiole lower than the other, prominent straight parallel veins, and doubly serrate margins
Description
A large deciduous tree known for its graceful vase-shaped silhouette, high arching branches, and dark gray furrowed bark. It produces small wind-pollinated flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge, followed by papery winged samaras.
Habitat
Bottomland forests, floodplains, rich moist soils along streams and rivers, highly adaptable to urban environments
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, from Nova Scotia west to Alberta, and south to Florida and Texas