Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Key Features
• Method 2 of 3: Take a closer look at the tree
• Method 3 of 3: Seasonal Elm Changes
• Tips

The elm tree is ideal for shading in the backyard and along the streets, and is one of the most common trees. Many species of elm grow all over the world. In total, there are more than 30 species of elm, and most of them have the following characteristic features by which they can be easily distinguished from other trees: green serrated leaves that turn yellow in autumn, gray-brown bark with deep grooves and a special vase-like crown shape. Unfortunately, many old trees are affected by the Dutch elm disease, which also identifies this tree.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Key Features

1. 1 Examine the leaves of the tree. Elm leaves grow alternately on both sides of the stem. The sheet itself has an oval and pointed shape at the end. The edges of the leaf are serrated, and the veins are convex. The base of the leaf is slightly asymmetrical. In many species of elm, the leaves are smooth at the top and folded at the base.
   • The leaves of the American elm are usually 10-15 centimeters long.
   • English elm leaves are usually ten centimeters long and seven centimeters wide. They have 10 to 12 veins.
   • The European White Elm has up to 17 veins on the top and 14 veins on the underside of the leaf.
2. 2 Examine the bark. The elm has a coarse and thick bark with intersecting grooves. The color can range from light gray to dark grayish brown. The bark is characterized by deep grooves.
   • The exception is Siberian elm, which often has a smooth green or orange bark.
   • Unlike most other species, the bark of the European White Elm remains smooth even into adulthood.
   • Compared to most other species, cedar elms have a lighter purple-gray bark.
3. 3 Pay attention to the height and width of the tree. Mature elms reach a height of about 35 meters and a trunk girth of about 175 centimeters. Depending on the species, the crown width can be 9–18 meters. Many American elm species are even larger and can reach 39 meters in height and 37 meters in width.
   • Usually the crown of elms resembles a vase or fountain in shape.
4. 4 Examine the trunk. Elms often have split and branching trunks. Two or more trunks may extend upward and outward from the main trunk. If a tree has one vertical trunk, it is not an elm.
5. 5 Consider the location of the tree. Pay attention to where the tree is growing to determine if it might be elm. Different types of elm grow in different regions. For example, American elms are common in the eastern regions of the United States, east of the Rocky Mountains. They are less common west of the Rocky Mountains, although elm can also be found in California.
   • Siberian elm (also called Asian elm, squat elm or elm) is common in Central Asia, Inner Mongolia, Siberia, India and Korea.
   • European types of elm are common in Europe. Before the advent of Dutch elm disease, English elm was also ubiquitous in Europe, but now it can only be found mainly in Portugal, France, Spain and England.
   • If you know that there are many elms growing in a particular region, and the external signs correspond to this tree, most likely you are in front of an elm. Look for elms in the regions where they are common.
   • Elms adapt well to a variety of climates and environmental conditions, including poor to moderately salty soils, extreme cold weather, air pollution, and droughts. However, they prefer well-lit or partially shaded areas with well-drained but moist soil.

Method 2 of 3: Take a closer look at the tree

1. 1 Determine which animals are attracted to the tree. The elm ecosystem is suitable for many animals, insects and birds. For example, the American elm attracts birds and mammals (mice, squirrels, and possums) that feed on its kidneys. Deer and rabbits eat the bark and branches of young trees. If the tree has become a haven for many animals and insects, it may be an elm.
   • Caterpillars can be found eating them on the leaves of an elm tree.
   • Elms are often home to woodpeckers, squirrels, tits, and raccoons.
   • Rusty elm also attracts birds who like its fruits and buds.
2. 2 See if roots are visible. The elm has a highly visible, shallow root system with wide coverage. The roots have the same characteristic bark as the rest of the tree. See if roots are protruding from the ground, although this trait may not be present in young trees.
3. 3 See if the tree hurts. Elms are often affected by Dutch elm disease. As the name implies, this disease is characteristic of elms, so if you see its signs, you are probably looking at an elm tree. Please note the following:
   • dead, but remaining on the tree leaves;
   • yellowness and other discoloration in autumn or spring;
   • withered leaves and young shoots at the same time.

Method 3 of 3: Seasonal Elm Changes

1. 1 Look for flowers. Depending on the type of elm, flowers may appear on it in the spring. For example, the European white elm produces small purple flowers in early spring. At the same time, reddish-purple flowers appear on the rough elm tree.
   • In contrast, the Transcaucasian elm (elm) has small green flowers that also appear in spring.
   • In the English elm tree, small clusters of red flowers appear in early spring.
   • Flowers can be hidden behind foliage if the tree has already released leaves, so look for them to determine if you are actually looking at an elm tree.
2. 2 Pay attention to the seeds. Elm seeds form and fall from the tree shortly after flowering. They are easy to recognize: they are round, flat and covered with a thin, paper-like film that is attached to the top.
   • The single seeds of most elms are pea-sized.
   • The seeds are encased in a thin, green egg-shaped shell that resembles the translucent wings of insects.
   • When ripe, the color of the seeds changes from green to yellowish brown, like that of hay.
3. 3 See the elms in the fall. Take a look at the trees in the fall as their leaves change color. In many species of elm trees, the leaves turn bright yellow, and sometimes yellowish-purple in autumn. For example, in the rough and English elm, the leaves take on a bright yellow color. Flowers can often be hidden behind the leaves until late summer, so take a close look to determine if you are really looking at an elm.
4. 4 Inspect the tree during the winter. The elm tree is a broadleaf tree, meaning it sheds its leaves once a year in the fall. In winter, there are no leaves on the elm, but in spring they bloom again. If you notice this pattern, you may be looking at an elm tree.

Tips

• The free English-language Elm Project website (openelm.org) has a phone app that you can download. It contains a lot of information about the different types of elm, with which you can determine if this tree is really in front of you.
• Elms are susceptible to many diseases, including Dutch elm disease. This fungal disease is carried by insects. It can be identified by withered young shoots and leaves, large spots on dead leaves, or young yellowed leaves that did not change color in autumn.