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 obovate with an asymmetric (unequal) base
Margin
Doubly serrate
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with very straight, parallel veins running directly from the prominent midrib to the margin.
Key Features
Distinctive doubly serrate margin and a markedly asymmetrical leaf base where one side of the blade meets the petiole lower than the other.
Description
A classic deciduous tree known for its graceful, vase-shaped canopy and arching branches. The bark is dark gray with deep, diamond-shaped furrows. Leaves turn a rich golden yellow in autumn before dropping.
Habitat
Bottomland forests, floodplains, rich moist soils along streams, and river valleys, though widely planted in urban and suburban landscapes.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, ranging from Nova Scotia west to Alberta, and south to central Texas and Florida.