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
Oblanceolate to elliptical with an asymmetrical base and an acuminate tip
Margin
Doubly serrate
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with straight, parallel veins running directly from the prominent midrib to the margin
Key Features
Unequal (asymmetrical) leaf base, sharply doubly serrate margins, straight pinnate veins, and a rough upper leaf surface
Description
A large deciduous tree known for its characteristic vase-like growth form, featuring dark gray grooved bark and alternate, simple leaves with distinctly unequal leaf bases.
Habitat
Rich bottomland forests, floodplains, along streams, and moist uplands, tolerating a wide range of soil types and moisture levels
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, from Nova Scotia west to Saskatchewan, and south to Florida and Texas