American Elm, White Elm, or Water Elm
Ulmus americana · Ulmaceae (Elm family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Ovate to obovate with an asymmetrical base
Margin
Doubly serrate (coarsely toothed with smaller teeth along the main teeth)
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with straight, parallel prominent secondary veins running directly to the margin
Key Features
Unequal (asymmetrical) leaf base where one side of the blade joins the petiole lower than the other, doubly serrate margins, and prominent straight lateral veins
Description
The American Elm is a majestic, vase-shaped deciduous tree historically famous for creating cathedral-like arches over urban streets. The leaves are characteristically asymmetrical at the base, sharply double-toothed, and feature prominent straight parallel veins. The bark is dark gray and deeply furrowed into interlacing ridges.
Habitat
Found naturally in 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 Alberta, and south to Florida and Texas