Range: Quebec across Ontario to North Dakota, south to Texas, east to Florida.
Distinguishing Features: The rough, sandpapery texture of the asymmetrical leaves distinguishes this elm from all others in the state.
ROCK ELM
Ulmus thomasii Sarg.
Other Name: Cork Elm.
Growth Form: Medium tree up to 75 feet tall; trunk diameter up to three feet; crown narrow, oblong, with drooping branches.
Bark: Grayish-brown, with shallow furrows.
Twigs: Slender, brown, smooth or finely hairy, usually with corky wings; leaf scars alternate, half-round, each with 3 bundle traces.
Buds: Lance-shaped, pointed, brown, more or less hairy, up to one-fourth inch long.
Leaves: Alternate, simple; blades oval to oblong, pointed at the tip, rounded at the slightly asymmetrical base, up to 4 inches long, doubly toothed, green, smooth, and shiny on the upper surface, paler and hairy on the lower surface; leafstalks up to one-half inch long, smooth.