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 unequal (asymmetric) cordate base and an acuminate apex
Margin
Doubly serrate with sharp teeth
Arrangement
Alternate arrangement along the twig
Venation
Pinnate venation with prominent parallel straight lateral veins running directly to the marginal teeth
Key Features
Distinguished by its markedly asymmetric leaf base where one side of the blade attaches lower on the petiole than the other, coupled with a rough sandpaper-like texture, doubly serrate margins, and straight parallel lateral veins
Description
A classic deciduous forest tree known for its distinctive graceful, vase-like crown shape and arching branches. The bark is dark gray and deeply furrowed with diamond-shaped interlacing ridges. It produces small, inconspicuous greenish wind-pollinated flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge, followed by papery, flat, winged seeds known as samaras
Habitat
Typically found in rich, moist bottomland soils, floodplains, along streams, and in mixed hardwood forests, though highly adaptable to urban environments
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, stretching from Nova Scotia west to Alberta, and south to Florida and central Texas