The American Elm is an abundant deciduous tree that grows in a variety of habitats, primarily in the eastern U.S. Its seeds are an important source of food for songbirds and wildfowl.

Iroquois and other Eastern Woodland indigenous peoples made canoes out of the bark and trunk. Early colonizers steamed the wood so it could be bent to make barrels and wheel hoops. Its wood is also used for rockers on rocking chairs.

The American Elm was once a common "neighborhood" tree for its shade and growth pattern. Unfortunately, it is susceptible to Dutch elm disease which was originally brought over from England, and has seen declining numbers.

Images courtesy of:
Virginia Tech
Sault College
University of Arizona
Steven Katovich