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 asymmetric (unequal) leaf base
Margin
Doubly serrate (coarsely toothed with smaller teeth on the larger teeth)
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with very prominent, straight, parallel veins extending directly to the margin teeth.
Key Features
Extremely asymmetrical leaf base where one side of the blade meets the petiole much lower than the other; doubly serrate margins; prominent straight parallel veins; rough upper leaf texture.
Description
The American Elm is a large, majestic deciduous tree historically renowned for its graceful, vase-like crown and interlocking arching branches that once formed soaring tunnels over American streets. The bark is dark gray and deeply furrowed with diamond-shaped ridges. It produces small, wind-pollinated greenish flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge, followed by papery, flat, winged seeds (samaras) with ciliated margins.
Habitat
Typically found in rich bottomland forests, along streams, floodplains, and moist uplands, though highly adaptable to various soils and urban conditions.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, ranging from Nova Scotia west to Alberta, and south to Florida and central Texas.