3 Ways To Identify An Elm Tree - WikiHow

Home » What Does Elm Bark Look Like » 3 Ways To Identify An Elm Tree - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Identify an Elm Tree PDF download Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Identifying Elms With Basic Characteristics 2 Looking More Closely at the Tree 3 Identifying Seasonal Changes Associated With Elms Other Sections Expert Q&A Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Matt Bowman

Last Updated: November 21, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article X

This article was co-authored by Matt Bowman. Matt Bowman is a Gardener, Landscaper, the Owner of Georgia Farm to Table, and the Owner of Tradition Property Services in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 20 years experience, he specializes in organic gardening, landscape maintenance, handyman services, homecare services, and supplying Christmas trees. Matt earned a BA in Journalism from the University of Georgia. There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 896,355 times.

Ideal for providing shade in backyard and along neighborhood streets, the elm tree is one of the most common trees. Its many varieties are present all over the world. There are more than 30 species of elm, but most share several common features: green, toothed leaves that turn yellow in fall, bark that is deeply ridged and grey-brown in color, and a roughly vase-like shape make the tree easily distinguishable from others. Sadly, the presence of Dutch elm disease threatens many old stands of elms, but its presence can also be used to identify elms.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Identifying Elms With Basic Characteristics

PDF download Download Article
  1. A chart comparing leaf characteristics from the American, English, and European white elm tree varieties. 1 Examine the leaves of the tree. Elm leaves alternate along two sides of the stem. The leaf is oval in shape and comes to a point at the end. The edges of the leaf are jagged and the veins are prominent. The base of the leaf is slightly asymmetrical. Many varieties of elm leaves are smooth on top and fuzzy on the bottom.[1]
    • 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]
    • European White Elms have up to 17 veins on the front of the leaf and 14 on the bottom.[3]
  2. Step 2 Look at the bark. 2 Look at the bark. The bark of an elm is rough and coarse, with intersecting ridges. The color is a light grey to dark greyish-brown. The bark will be deeply furrowed.[4]
    • 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]
    • Cedar elms have lighter purplish-grey bark than most other varieties.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Check for overall height and width. 3 Check for overall height and width. Mature elms reach a height of about 35 meters (115 feet) with a trunk diameter of around 175 centimeters (68 inches). Depending on the species or cultivar, they can reach 9 to 18 meters (30-59 feet) in width. Many American species of elm will actually become larger, with some growing to 39 meters (128 feet) in height and 37 meters (121 feet) in width.
    • Elms will usually have a vase or fountain shape.[6]
    • 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]
    • 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]
  4. Step 4 Look at the trunk. 4 Look at the trunk. Elm trees often have split or branching trunks. There might be two or more trunks branching up and away from the main trunk.[9] If you see a tree with a single, central vertical trunk, it is not an elm.[10]
  5. Step 5 Consider the tree’s location. 5 Consider the tree’s location. Use the location of the tree to determine if it could be an elm. Different varieties of elms grow in different places. For instance, American elms are common in the eastern half of the United States, from the Rocky Mountains eastward.[11] They are less common west of the Rockies, though the can be found in California.
    • 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.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Looking More Closely at the Tree

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Identify what creatures the tree attracts. 1 Identify what creatures the tree attracts. Many animals, bugs, and birds share the ecosystem with elms. For instance, the American elm attracts birds and mammals (mice, squirrels, and opossums) that feed on its buds. Deer and rabbits will chew the bark and small branches of younger trees. If you see a host of animals and bugs hanging around a tree, it could be an elm.
    • 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.
  2. Step 2 Look for visible roots. 2 Look for visible roots. The base of an elm is reinforced with a visible, shallow root system with a broad reach. The bark of the roots will have the same general texture and color as the bark on the rest of the tree. While it might not be present in young elms, look for roots that are visible along the ground.[12]
  3. Step 3 Look for sick trees. 3 Look for sick trees. Elm trees are commonly afflicted with Dutch elm disease. As its name implies, the disease only affects elm trees, so if you see a tree with the symptoms of Dutch elm disease, you can safely conclude it is an elm. Look for:[13]
    • 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
    4. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Identifying Seasonal Changes Associated With Elms

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Look for flowers. 1 Look for flowers. Depending on your species of elm, you may or may not have flowers in the spring. European White Elms, for instance, sprout small purple flowers in early spring.[14] Wych Elms have similar reddish purple flowers that sprout at the same time.[15]
    • The Caucasian Elm, by contrast, has small green flowers that also emerge in spring.[16]
    • English Elms sprout red flowers in small clusters early in spring.[17]
    • 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.
  2. Step 2 Look at the seeds of the elm. 2 Look at the seeds of the elm. Elm seeds form and fall from the trees in springtime soon after flowering. They are distinctive in appearance. Elm seeds are round, flat and covered by a thin, paper-like casing that hooks at the top.[18]
    • 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.[19]
    • When mature, the seeds will change from green to a hay-like yellow-brown tone.
  3. Step 3 Examine elms in the fall. 3 Examine elms in the fall. Check trees in autumn when the leaves are changing colours. Many species of elm trees have leaves that will turn a bright yellow in fall, and sometimes a yellowish-purple colour. For instance, leaves on the Wych Elm and English Elm are renowned for turning bright yellow in autumn.[20] The leaves often may be hiding blooms that are still present from late summer, so look carefully before judging whether a tree is an elm or not.
  4. Step 4 Examine the tree in the winter. 4 Examine the tree in the winter. Elms are deciduous, meaning they shed their leaves once each year, starting in the fall.[21] By the winter, they will be bare of leaves, and then in the spring they will start to re-grow their leaves. If you notice this foliage pattern, you might have an elm.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How long does it take an elm tree to grow to full height? Matt Bowman Matt Bowman Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden Matt Bowman is a Gardener, Landscaper, the Owner of Georgia Farm to Table, and the Owner of Tradition Property Services in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 20 years experience, he specializes in organic gardening, landscape maintenance, handyman services, homecare services, and supplying Christmas trees. Matt earned a BA in Journalism from the University of Georgia. Matt Bowman Matt Bowman Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden Expert Answer answer video Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
  • Question How long does it take an elm tree to grow to its full mature height? Matt Bowman Matt Bowman Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden Matt Bowman is a Gardener, Landscaper, the Owner of Georgia Farm to Table, and the Owner of Tradition Property Services in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 20 years experience, he specializes in organic gardening, landscape maintenance, handyman services, homecare services, and supplying Christmas trees. Matt earned a BA in Journalism from the University of Georgia. Matt Bowman Matt Bowman Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden Expert Answer Elm trees are a slow-growing deciduous tree, so they take a long time to reach their full height. They grow around 2-3 ft a year, depending on their location and exact microclimate. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 2
  • Question Do morel mushrooms grow around elm trees? Community Answer Community Answer Yes, morels are often found beneath the shade of elm trees. Dead elms, especially, are often a popular place for morel mushrooms. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 10 Helpful 59
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • Elms are susceptible to a variety of diseases, including Dutch elm disease. This is a fungal disease that is spread by insects. You can identify whether an elm is diseased by looking for wilting of young shoots or leaves, large patches of dead leaves, or yellowing of the leaves when they are young and not about to change colour due to the season. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Identify a Black Walnut TreeHow toIdentify a Black Walnut Tree Identify Walnut TreesHow toIdentify Walnut Trees Identify Cherry TreesHow toIdentify Cherry Trees Identify TreesHow toIdentify Trees Prune an Elm TreeHow toPrune an Elm Tree Identify ElderberryHow toIdentify Elderberry Identify Oak TreesHow toIdentify Oak Trees Identify a Sycamore TreeHow toIdentify a Sycamore Tree Identify Sugar Maple TreesThe Sugar Maple: Key Characteristics & How to Identify Them Identify Oak LeavesHow toIdentify Oak Leaves Identify an Ash TreeHow toIdentify an Ash Tree Identify a Redwood TreeHow toIdentify a Redwood Tree Identify Palm TreesTypes of Palm Trees with Pictures Identify Cedar TreesHow toIdentify Cedar Trees Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/wych-elm/
  2. ↑ https://books.google.com/books?id=tYV91AIRPmQC&lpg=PA344&pg=PA135#v=onepage&q&f=false
  3. ↑ https://books.google.com/books?id=tYV91AIRPmQC&lpg=PA344&pg=PA134#v=onepage&q&f=false
  4. ↑ https://www.alberta.ca/how-to-identify-an-elm-tree
  5. ↑ https://books.google.com/books?id=tYV91AIRPmQC&lpg=PA344&pg=PA134#v=onepage&q&f=false
  6. ↑ https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/elm-cultivars/
  7. ↑ Matt Bowman. Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ Matt Bowman. Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ https://books.google.com/books?id=5b68DsGlvVIC&lpg=PA188&pg=PA188#v=onepage&q&f=false
More References (12)
  1. ↑ https://www.natureinstitute.org/article/craig-holdrege/the-forming-tree
  2. ↑ https://www.arborday.org/campaigns-projects/americas-national-tree
  3. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/identify-invasive-species/siberian-elm
  4. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/dutch-elm-disease
  5. ↑ https://books.google.com/books?id=tYV91AIRPmQC&lpg=PA344&pg=PA134#v=onepage&q&f=false
  6. ↑ https://books.google.com/books?id=tYV91AIRPmQC&lpg=PA344&pg=PA136#v=onepage&q&f=false
  7. ↑ https://books.google.com/books?id=tYV91AIRPmQC&lpg=PA344&pg=PA139#v=onepage&q&f=false
  8. ↑ https://books.google.com/books?id=tYV91AIRPmQC&lpg=PA344&pg=PA135#v=onepage&q&f=false
  9. ↑ https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/wych-elm/
  10. ↑ https://books.google.com/books?id=tYV91AIRPmQC&lpg=PA344&pg=PA134#v=onepage&q&f=false
  11. ↑ https://books.google.com/books?id=tYV91AIRPmQC&lpg=PA344&pg=PA139#v=onepage&q&f=false
  12. ↑ https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/elm-cultivars/

About This Article

Matt Bowman Co-authored by: Matt Bowman Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden This article was co-authored by Matt Bowman. Matt Bowman is a Gardener, Landscaper, the Owner of Georgia Farm to Table, and the Owner of Tradition Property Services in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 20 years experience, he specializes in organic gardening, landscape maintenance, handyman services, homecare services, and supplying Christmas trees. Matt earned a BA in Journalism from the University of Georgia. This article has been viewed 896,355 times. 18 votes - 88% Co-authors: 19 Updated: November 21, 2025 Views: 896,355 Categories: Plant Identification Article SummaryX

If you’re not sure how to identify an elm tree, start by examining the leaves. Elm leaves are oval-shaped and come to a point at the end, with jagged edges and prominent veins. The base of the leaf is slightly asymmetrical, and the leaves may be smooth on top and fuzzy on the bottom. Next, check the bark of the tree. An elm tree’s bark is rough, deeply furrowed, and can range in color from light grey to dark greyish brown. To learn how to identify the seeds of an elm tree, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Russian Italian German French Dutch Chinese Vietnamese Arabic Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 896,355 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Keith Sketchley

    Keith Sketchley

    Mar 12, 2021

    "Thank you for the clear article on identifying elm trees, which are a source of tree pollen now in the Victoria BC..." more Rated this article:
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Matt Bowman Co-authored by: Matt Bowman Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden Co-authors: 19 Updated: November 21, 2025 Views: 896,355 88% of readers found this article helpful. 18 votes - 88% Click a star to add your vote Keith Sketchley

Keith Sketchley

Mar 12, 2021

"Thank you for the clear article on identifying elm trees, which are a source of tree pollen now in the Victoria BC..." more Rated this article: Gail Galusha

Gail Galusha

Jul 29, 2017

"There is a huge, beautiful tree in my apartment complex that I have been admiring for years. I had no idea what it..." more Richard Eyres

Richard Eyres

Apr 4, 2016

"I was trying to identify the species of a particular tree in our garden and came across the wikiHow website almost..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Jun 13, 2017

"Last summer we noticed what we thought were American elm trees in our front yard losing leaves in the middle of..." more Karin Otey-Caruso

Karin Otey-Caruso

Aug 13, 2017

"I recently caught my first silk moth and was trying to identify elm trees, as that's one food source of the..." more Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What Plant Am I QuizWhat Plant Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Bird Am I QuizWhat Bird Am I QuizTake QuizAm I Smart? Find Out with This Quick Intelligence TestAm I Smart? Find Out with This Quick Intelligence TestTake QuizAnimal Riddle QuizAnimal Riddle QuizTake QuizWhat Flower Am I QuizWhat Flower Am I QuizTake QuizElven Name Ideas: Female, Male & UnisexElven Name Ideas: Female, Male & UnisexGenerate Names

You Might Also Like

Identify a Black Walnut TreeHow toIdentify a Black Walnut TreeIdentify Walnut TreesHow toIdentify Walnut TreesIdentify Cherry TreesHow toIdentify Cherry TreesIdentify TreesHow toIdentify Trees

Trending Articles

How Weird Am I QuizHow Weird Am I QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizAm I Autistic QuizAm I Autistic QuizDiscover the Secret Meaning of Your First NameDiscover the Secret Meaning of Your First NamePractice KissingHow toPractice Kissing5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your Shape5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your Shape

Watch Articles

Amazing Super Bowl Party Ideas Guests Will Cheer ForAmazing Super Bowl Party Ideas Guests Will Cheer ForDevelop Listening SkillsHow toDevelop Listening SkillsNot Lose Your GirlfriendHow toNot Lose Your Girlfriend Draw an OwlHow to Draw an OwlTreat AllergiesHow toTreat AllergiesIntroduce Friends to Other FriendsHow toIntroduce Friends to Other Friends

Trending Articles

What Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Depression Test for TeensDepression Test for TeensSCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win?SCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win? Sleep Next to a Snoring Husband: Our 8 Best Tips & TricksHow to Sleep Next to a Snoring Husband: Our 8 Best Tips & Tricks

Quizzes & Games

What Symbol Best Represents Me QuizWhat Symbol Best Represents Me QuizTake QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Color Season QuizWhat Is My Color Season QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Cat Am I QuizWhat Kind of Cat Am I QuizTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Education and Communications
  • Studying
  • Science
  • Biology
  • Botany
  • Plant Identification
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

Let's do this! X --814

Tag » What Does Elm Bark Look Like