Identify the Elms

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

Identify the Elms

Trees in the Elm Family - Ulmaceae

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

The only two species of true gum trees in North America.

The Most Common Hardwood Trees

The 5 Most Common Native Maples in North America

Two common magnolias, one of the US South, one enjoyed in Canada.

How to Identify the Black Locust Tree

Basswood is a unique soft hardwood scattered in eastern North America.

Sassafras is a small tree with an interesting and big story.

The most common Ash species in the United States.

Fagus grandifolia is the only native beech in North America.

What Tree Is That? Identifying Trees With Leaves

The Most Common North American Hardwood Trees

Identify 50 Common North American Trees

Eastern Deciduous Forests: The Magnificent Forests of Appalachia

A listing of the major forest regions of the United States

The Identification Characteristics of Black Walnut and Butternut

Discover North American Poplar Trees

Animals and Nature

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

The only two species of true gum trees in North America.

The Most Common Hardwood Trees

The 5 Most Common Native Maples in North America

Two common magnolias, one of the US South, one enjoyed in Canada.

How to Identify the Black Locust Tree

Basswood is a unique soft hardwood scattered in eastern North America.

Sassafras is a small tree with an interesting and big story.

The most common Ash species in the United States.

Fagus grandifolia is the only native beech in North America.

What Tree Is That? Identifying Trees With Leaves

The Most Common North American Hardwood Trees

Identify 50 Common North American Trees

Eastern Deciduous Forests: The Magnificent Forests of Appalachia

A listing of the major forest regions of the United States

The Identification Characteristics of Black Walnut and Butternut

Discover North American Poplar Trees