Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Elliptic to ovate with an asymmetrical base and an acuminate tip
Margin
Doubly serrate (coarsely toothed with smaller teeth on the larger teeth)
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with very straight, parallel lateral veins running directly from the prominent midrib to the margin
Key Features
Asymmetrical leaf base, straight parallel lateral veins, doubly serrate margins, and rough upper leaf texture combined with the vase-shaped form of the mature tree.
Description
The American Elm is a large, majestic deciduous tree historically famous for its graceful vase-like shape that once lined streets across North America. The leaves are characteristically asymmetrical at the base, feature prominent parallel veins, and have sharply toothed margins. The bark is dark gray and deeply furrowed into interlacing scaly ridges.
Habitat
Rich bottomland soils, floodplains, stream banks, and moist upland forests; prefers full sun to partial shade
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, stretching from Nova Scotia west to Alberta, and south to Florida and Texas