The leaves of an American elm are typically 10-15 centimeters (4-6 inches) long. Leaves of the English Elm are usually ten centimeters (four inches) long and seven centimeters (two and a half inches) wide. They sport 10 to 12 veins. [2] X Research source European White Elms have up to 17 veins on the front of the leaf and 14 on the bottom. [3] X Research source
The Siberian elm is an exception, and often has exfoliated bark that is green or orange in color. The bark on the European White Elm, unlike most other species, remains smooth even into maturity. [5] X Research source Cedar elms have lighter purplish-grey bark than most other varieties.
Elms will usually have a vase or fountain shape. [6] X Research source Elm trees are a deciduous tree, and they grow about 2–3 ft (0. 61–0. 91 m) a year, depending on their location. [7] X Expert Source Matt BowmanGardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden Expert Interview. 21 April 2020. If you’re trying to figure out how old the tree is, use a tape measure to find the diameter of the trunk. For every 1 ft (0. 30 m) in diameter, the tree is at least 8 years old. [8] X Expert Source Matt BowmanGardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
Siberian elms (also known as the Asiatic, Lacebark, or Chinese elm) are common in Central Asia, Mongolia China, Siberia, India, and Korea. European elms are common across Europe. Before Dutch elm disease arrived, English elms were also common across Europe, but they are now confined primarily to Portugal, France, Spain, and England. If you know there are many elm trees in a certain area and the tree matches approximate descriptions of elm trees, you probably have an elm tree. Look for areas likely to contain thriving elm trees. Elms adapt to a variety of climates and planting situations, including poor or mildly salty soil, extreme cold, atmospheric pollution, and drought. However, they prefer areas that are in full sun to part shade with well-drained, but moist, soil.
Caterpillars might be found munching on the leaves. Woodpeckers, raccoons, squirrels, and chickadees are commonly found living in elms. Slippery elms also attract birds, who like to snack on the tree’s fruit and buds.
Dead leaves that have not fallen off the tree Yellowing or other discoloration in fall or spring Wilting leaves and young shoots present at the same time
The Caucasian Elm, by contrast, has small green flowers that also emerge in spring. [15] X Research source English Elms sprout red flowers in small clusters early in spring. [16] X Research source Flowers may be hidden behind the leaves of the elm if the tree has already produced leaves, so look closely before deciding whether a tree is an elm or not.
Most elms bear single seeds about the size of a pea. The seeds are encased in a green, thin, ovular case the resembles an insect wing called a samara. [18] X Research source When mature, the seeds will change from green to a hay-like yellow-brown tone.
