Click on the images to help you identify an American elm.
Form
Large tree, usually 50 to 70 feet tall, with a trunk diameter of 24 to 48 inches. It can reach heights of up to 100 feet, with a diameter of up to 48 inches. Branches are wide-spreading and droop at the ends. The crown is vase-shaped.
Bark
Dark, ashy gray and divided into irregular, flat-topped, thick ridges. The bark is generally firm, although on older trees it tends to come off in flakes. In cross-section, outer bark layers alternate between white and reddish-brown.
Leaf
Leaves are simple and alternate on the stem, 4 to 6 inches long. They are rather thick, somewhat one-sided, dark green, and doubly toothed along the margin. Leaves are generally rough above and smooth below. Veins are very pronounced, running in parallel lines from the midrib to the edge of the leaf. Leaves turn yellow in autumn.
Fruit (seed)
Fruit is a winged samara, light green and oval, turning tan when mature. The seed portion is centered within the surrounding wing. The outer end of each wing is deeply notched. Seeds hang in clusters, ripen in spring, and are widely scattered by the wind.
Range
Hardy throughout the state and more abundant on rich bottomlands in the southern half of Minnesota. Moderately tolerant and fast-growing. Very susceptible to Dutch elm disease.
Wood uses
The wood is light brown, heavy, hard, strong, and tough, but difficult to split. It is used for saddle trees, boats and ships, furniture, barrel staves and hoops, and veneer for baskets and crates.