Although decimated by Dutch Elm Disease in northern
states, Central Florida Elms have not been disturbed by the disease. It is usually found
on low ground and on river banks.
Description
The elm is a medium sized tree that can grow to a height of 40 - 50
feet and have a diameter of 18 inches. It is a deciduous tree with an open crown.
Leaves
Leaves are alternate, simple, two to four inches long and one to
two inches wide. The top of the leaf is smooth and shiny. The bottom is smooth but lighter
in color. Leaves are doubly toothed on the margins. Leaf veins are very pronounced and run
in parallel lines from the mid rib to the leaf edge.
Flowers
The flowers are small, greenish in color and are about 1.8 inch
wide. Flowers lack petals and are found on slender stalks in the early spring, before the
leaves appear.
Fruit
The fruit is a light green, oval-shaped samara, with the seed
portion in the center surrounded by a wing. The wing has hairy edges and a two-pronged tip
and is 1/3 to ½ inch long. The fruit matures in the spring after which
winds carry the winged seeds away from the parent plant.
Bark
The bark is pale brown to gray and is divided by irregular cracks.
Landscape usage
The elm is widely planted as an ornamental. While it prefers moist
conditions, it will grow under drier conditions also. The elm has high drought tolerance
and moderate salt-spray tolerance.
Interesting fact
Florida Elms possess hard, tough wood that is used to make crates
and other wood products.
