Science, Tech, Math › Animals & Nature Identify the Elms Trees in the Elm Family - Ulmaceae Share Flipboard Email Print DEA / RANDOM/De Agostini Picture Library/Getty Images Animals & Nature Forestry Tree Identification Basics Arboriculture Tree Structure & Physiology The Science Of Growing Trees Conifer Species Individual Hardwood Species Pests, Diseases, and Wildfires Tree Planting and Reforestation Amphibians Birds Habitat Profiles Mammals Reptiles Wildlife Conservation Insects Marine Life Dinosaurs Evolution View More By Steve Nix Forestry Expert B.S., Forest Resource Management, University of Georgia Steve Nix is a natural resources consultant and a former forest resources analyst for the state of Alabama. He is a member of the Society of American Foresters. our editorial process Steve Nix Updated February 19, 2020 Elms are deciduous and semi-deciduous trees comprising the genus Ulmus, family Ulmaceae. Elms first appeared in the Miocene period about 40 million years ago. Originating in central Asia, the tree flourished and established itself over most of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America. Eight elm species are endemic to North America, and a smaller number to Europe; the greatest diversity is found in China. The Common North American Elm Species American elm rock elm slippery elm Leaves: alternate, asymmetrical, uneven at base, toothed.Fruit: a drupe or winged key. ash | beech | basswood | birch | black cherry | black walnut/butternut | cottonwood | elm | hackberry | hickory | holly | locust | magnolia | maple | oak | poplar | red alder | royal paulownia | sassafras | sweetgum | sycamore | tupelo | willow | yellow-poplar ID Glossary