American elm

Scientific name: Ulmus americana

A once popular street tree, the American elm has suffered the same plague as the English elm - Dutch elm disease - limiting its appearance and health. Because of this, most American elms die after reaching 40 feet tall - in isolation, however, they can grow to 80 feet or more. Thankfully, young trees are immune to the disease, only succumbing when older, and many trees reach maturity to reproduce before this fate.The American elm has a stereotypical vase shape, though some do not grow this way, featuring branches that droop back toward the ground at the ends.

Photo from Grandview Heights TreePlotter.

The size of the leaves can vary tremendously between different elm trees, but the leaves are all the same in shape - serrated with double teeth, asymetrical bases, and a prominent vein that runs the length of the leaf.

Photo from ODNR's Species Search.

The flowers of the American elm are among the first to bloom, doing so in January and February, continuing through April.

Photo from OPLIN's What Tree is It?

The tallest American elm in Ohio is located in Hamilton County and reaches 97 feet tall.