SLIPPERY ELM
(Ulmus fulva)
Leaves: Simple, alternate, 5″-7″ long; usually larger than those of [American elm], rough on both sides or soft-hairy below; margin coarsely toothed. Leaf-stem short.
Twigs: Stouter than on [American elm], grayish and rather rough. Buds slightly larger than those of American elm, and more round—seldom flattened. Bud scales brown to almost black, rusty-haired.
Fruit: Like that of [American elm] but somewhat larger (¾″ long); wing margin not hairy and slightly notched at the tip.
General: Bark similar to [American elm] but of lighter color, softer, and fissures not diamond-shaped in outline. Inner bark sticky and fragrant. A medium-sized tree usually found near streams. Crown does not droop like that of American elm. The wood is commonly marketed with the preceding species.
COMMON HACKBERRY
(Celtis occidentalis)
Leaves: Simple, alternate, 2″-4″ long, slender pointed; margin sharp toothed; base unequal; often rough above, slightly hairy and veins prominent on undersides; 3-veined at base. Leaf-stem somewhat [downy] and grooved; fairly long (compared to elm).
Twigs: Slender, reddish brown, with chambered white [pith]. Buds small, sharp-pointed, closely pressed to the twig.
Fruit: Resembles a cherry, dark purple in color, ¼″-½″ diameter, sweet but with very little flesh covering the pitted stone; borne singly on a long slender stem; ripens in autumn.