American Elm (White Elm, Water Elm)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Ulmaceae, Genus: Ulmus, Species: U. americana · Ulmaceae (Elm family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Ulmus americana
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Ulmaceae (Elm family)
Shape
Elliptical to ovate with an inequilateral (asymmetric) base
Size
Approximately 4 inches long and 2.5 inches wide, which is typical for the species (adult leaves generally range from 3 to 6 inches)
Margin
Doubly serrate
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Common
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green upper surface with paler green underneath; shows minor dark fungal spots typical of mature summer foliage; turns a dull yellow in autumn
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with straight, parallel veins extending directly to the marginal teeth and a prominent central midrib
Texture & Surface
Rough (scabrous) on the upper surface like sandpaper, slightly pubescent on the lower surface along the veins
Description
The American Elm is a large, majestic deciduous tree historically famous for its vase-shaped canopy that once arched gracefully over countless American streets. The leaves are sharply toothed, prominently veined, and distinctively asymmetrical at the base where the blade meets the short petiole. The bark is dark gray and deeply furrowed into interlaced scaly ridges. Flowers appear in early spring before the leaves, followed by small, flat, wafer-like winged seeds (samaras).
Key Features
Distinctively asymmetrical leaf base, prominently straight parallel veins ending in teeth, doubly serrate margins, and rough sandpaper-like upper texture
Habitat
Rich bottomland forests, floodplains, along streams, and moist uplands; tolerates heavy clay soils and temporary flooding
Geographic Range
Native to eastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Alberta, and south to Florida and central Texas
Condition Notes
Good condition with minor cosmetic fungal leaf spots (black spot fungus), typical for late-season deciduous tree specimens
Interesting Facts
The American Elm was widely planted as a shade tree along urban avenues until Dutch elm disease, a fungal pathogen spread by bark beetles, devastated populations across North America in the 20th century
Medicinal & Uses
Native Americans used the inner bark of elms to treat wounds, colds, and digestive issues. The wood is tough and interlocking, historically used for making furniture, wheel hubs, and wooden boxes
Ecological Role
Provides critical nesting habitat and canopy cover for numerous bird species and serves as a larval host for several butterfly species including the Mourning Cloak
Similar Species
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra), which has even rougher, larger leaves and mucilaginous inner bark, and Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila), which has smaller, more symmetrical leaves
Foraging Tips
Look for mature trees in bottomlands or parks, identify by the telltale vase-shaped silhouette, rough alternate leaves, and uneven leaf bases
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic