American elm, White elm, Soft elm
Ulmus americana
Family: Ulmaceae
What it is like
A large tree. It grows to 35 m tall. It spreads 30 m wide. The trunk can be 175 cm across. The bark is dark grey and has furrows. The leaves are large and turn bright yellow in autumn. They are in 2 rows. They are 7.5-15 cm long by 2.5-7.5 cm wide. The base is rounded and the sides are unequal. They have double teeth along the edge. They are dark green above and paler underneath. They turn bright yellow in autumn. The flowers are 3 mm wide and green. They are clustered along the twigs. The fruit are 10-12 mm long and one seeded keys. They are deeply notched and with points that curve inwards.
Where it is found
It grows on wet sites and alluvial flats. It can tolerate some shade. It suits hardiness zones 3-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Canada, Hawaii, North America, Pacific, USA
How it is used for food
The inner bark is eaten as a famine food. It is also used to make a coffee like drink.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Trees live for 200 years.