American Elm, White Elm, Water Elm
Ulmus americana · Ulmaceae (Elm family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Elliptical to ovate with an asymmetrical base and an acuminate tip
Margin
Doubly serrate
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with prominent, straight parallel veins branching from the central midrib.
Key Features
Extremely asymmetrical leaf base where one side of the blade meets the petiole much lower than the other, doubly serrate margins, and a rough, textured upper surface.
Description
The American Elm is a large, majestic deciduous tree known for its characteristic vase-like or umbrella-like canopy shape. Its bark is dark gray and deeply furrowed with interlacing flat-topped ridges. It produces small, inconspicuous greenish flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge, followed by small, flat, winged green samaras that disperse on the wind.
Habitat
Typically found in rich, moist bottomlands, floodplains, along riverbanks, and in mixed hardwood forests; prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade.
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from Nova Scotia west to Alberta, and south to Florida and Texas.