American Elm, White Elm, or Water Elm
Ulmus americana · Ulmaceae (Elm family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple leaf, deciduous
Shape
Ovate to obovate with an asymmetric, unequally cordant base
Margin
Doubly serrate (toothed)
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with straight, parallel secondary veins extending directly to the margin teeth.
Key Features
Unequally base-sided leaf, doubly serrate margins, rough upper leaf surface, and prominent straight parallel veins ending in tooth tips.
Description
The American Elm is a large, graceful deciduous tree known for its distinctive vase-shaped crown and arching limbs. It features dark gray, deeply furrowed bark and papery samaras (winged seeds) that ripen in the spring.
Habitat
Bottomland forests, floodplains, stream banks, and rich moist soils, though adaptable to various urban conditions.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, stretching from Nova Scotia west to Alberta, and south to Florida and Texas.