Rock elm (Ulmus thomasii)

Form

Height 60' to 70', diameter 24" to 48"; straight trunk; some-what conical head with long graceful branches.

Bark

Ash-gray; divided by deep fissures into broad, flat ridges; outer bark layers alternating white and brown in cross section.

Leaf

Simple, alternate on stem, length 2" to 4"; deep green, doubly toothed margins, uneven base; turns yellow in autumn.

Fruit (seed)

Winged samara, 1/2" long; ovate, waferlike, contains one seed, slightly notched at outer end; ripens in early summer.

Range

Commonly found on bottom lands in the eastern and south central parts of the state, especially in the Minnesota River Valley, and continues as far northward as Clearwater County. Moderately shade-tolerant, fast-growing.