Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple leaf, deciduous
Shape
Elliptic to obovate, strongly asymmetrical at the base
Margin
Doubly serrate (coarsely toothed with smaller teeth on the larger teeth)
Arrangement
Alternate arrangement along the twig with a short petiole
Venation
Pinnate venation with prominent, straight parallel side veins extending directly to the margin
Key Features
Uneven (asymmetrical) leaf base, doubly serrate margins, prominent straight parallel veins, and rough upper leaf texture combined with a vase-shaped tree habit
Description
The American Elm is a large, majestic deciduous tree historically renowned for its graceful vase-like silhouette and arching canopy that once shaded countless American streets. The leaves feature a classic elm trait of asymmetrical bases where one side of the blade attaches lower on the petiole than the other. The tree produces small, wind-pollinated flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge, followed by small, paper-winged samaras that swirl in the wind.
Habitat
Rich bottomland forests, floodplains, along streams, and moist uplands; tolerates a wide range of soils and urban pollution
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, ranging from Nova Scotia west to Saskatchewan, and south to Florida and central Texas