Leaves: Alternate, simple; blades lance-ovate, rounded or somewhat pointed at the tip, tapering to the usually asymmetrical base, up to 3 inches long, less than half as broad, regularly coarsely toothed, smooth or a little roughened on the upper surface at maturity, smooth or hairy on the lower surface; leafstalks up to ½ inch long, finely hairy.
Flowers: Of three kinds, all on the same tree, appearing after the leaves have begun to expand, greenish-yellow, without petals, the staminate in several small clusters, the pistillate and perfect in drooping clusters of 1-3 flowers.
Fruit: Oblong, fleshy, up to ½ inch long, with warts irregularly scattered over the surface, pale brown.
Wood: Soft, light in weight, close-grained, pale brown.
Uses: Fence posts, fuel.
Habitat: Swampy areas.
Range: North Carolina across southern Illinois to southeastern Missouri, south to Texas, east to Florida.
Distinguishing Features: The Water Elm resembles other native elms in Illinois, but has only single-toothed leaves. The warty fruits are also distinctive.
