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
Ovates to obovate with an obviously asymmetrical base and acuminate tip
Margin
Doubly serrate (coarsely toothed with smaller teeth along the main teeth)
Arrangement
Alternate arrangement along the twig, featuring a very short petiole
Venation
Pinnate venation with straight, prominent parallel secondary veins branching from a central midrib
Key Features
Unequal (asymmetrical) leaf base where one side of the blade meets the petiole lower than the other, combined with a rough sandpaper-like texture and doubly serrate margins
Description
The American Elm is a large, majestic deciduous tree known for its characteristic vase-shaped silhouette and high, arching canopy. It features dark grey, deeply furrowed bark and produces small, wind-pollinated flowers in early spring followed by flat, winged samaras.
Habitat
Typically found in rich bottomland forests, along river floodplains, and damp woods, though highly adaptable to urban soils and varying moisture levels
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, ranging from Nova Scotia west to Alberta, and south to Florida and central Texas