Common Elm Trees In Ohio (4 Types You Must Know)

The stately and graceful elm trees of Ohio are a common sight in the state’s parks and woodlands. These majestic trees have been a part of the state’s natural beauty for centuries, but did you know that there are several different types of common elm trees in Ohio? 

It can be difficult to identify these trees, but with a little bit of knowledge and some keen observational abilities, you can learn to distinguish between them and value their distinctive characteristics. 

In this article, I’ll walk you through the different kinds of elm trees in Ohio and discover how to recognize them by their leaves, bark, and other distinctive characteristics.

So, let’s get started.

1. American Elm

• Common Name: American Elm
• Scientific Name: Ulmus americana
• Mature Height: 70-100 feet
• Native/Non-Native: Native
• Flowers/Cones: Tiny reddish-brown flowers in clusters
• Uses: Shade, ornamental

The most majestic among all elm trees in Ohio, the American Elm is a tall tree that was formerly prevalent throughout North America. It is currently considered rare due to Dutch Elm disease, which was brought to the United States in the 1920s. The fungus damages the vascular system of the tree, making it susceptible to various diseases and pests. 

However, some disease-resistant Dutch Elm trees are now available in nurseries, which is fantastic news for all nature enthusiasts.

The main trunk of this tall tree displays conspicuous root flares. Its upper limbs stretch out gently, giving an upright vase shape that is easily identified from a distance. 

The leaves are straightforward, round, dark green in color, and tough to the touch. The bark is a dark gray with deep furrows. The leaves turn yellow in the fall, producing a stunning spectacle.

The fruit of the American Elm tree is one of its most intriguing features. The samara is a flat, fuzzy green disk about 1 cm in diameter with a notch opposite the fruit stalk. When fully developed, the fruit turns tan and takes on a round-to-oval form. American Elm tree cherries are tasty and excellent. They are sweet with a somewhat nutty flavor and are popular among birds and other creatures.

The stately American Elm gives shade and beauty wherever it grows. Because it has survived Dutch Elm disease and other adversities, it has become a symbol of strength and persistence. Its cherries are a delectable reminder that nature is full of unexpected and delightful surprises.

2. Slippery Elm

• Common Name: Slippery Elm
• Scientific Name: Ulmus rubra
• Mature Height: 50-70 feet
• Native/Non-Native: Native
• Flowers/Cones: Green disk fruit (samara)
• Uses: Inner bark was once chewed to quench thirst and used to cure sore throats.

One of the medium-sized elm trees in Ohio, the Slippery Elm, sometimes known as the Red Elm, can reach heights of 70 feet. It is found in rich damp soils along streams and hillsides in North America. It is also known as Water Elm because of its growth patterns.

One of the Slippery Elm’s distinguishing characteristics is its aromatic and mucilaginous inner bark, hence the popular name “Slippery.” The inner bark was originally chewed to ease thirst and is still used to relieve sore throats today. 

The Slippery Elm’s leaves are smaller and rougher than those of most other elm species. Look for forked veins at the edge. Because the leaf buds are dark rusty brown and covered with hairs, this tree may be identified even without its leaves.

The leaves of the Slippery Elm turn a brilliant yellow color in the fall, adding to its beauty. It produces green disks known as samaras, which mature to brown and have a slightly notched tip opposite the fruit stalk. The fruit is virtually spherical, measuring approximately 12-34″ (1-2 cm) in diameter and covered with reddish-brown hairs.

3. Rock Elm

• Common Name: Rock Elm
• Scientific Name: Ulmus thomasii
• Mature Height: 40-60 feet (12-18 meters)
• Native/Non-Native: Native
• Flowers/Cones: Green flowers in clusters
• Uses: Wood was used for pianos

The Rock Elm, another variety among medium-sized elm trees in Ohio has a single straight trunk and drooping branches, as well as a tall and narrow crown. The tree is endemic to North America and can grow to be 40-60 feet tall. It is also known as the Cork Elm.

The Rock Elm’s leaves are simple and oval-shaped, about 2-4 inches long, and have a double-toothed edge. The leaves are deep green on top and slightly paler green beneath, and they cling to the branches alternately.

In cross-section, the tree’s bark is dark gray with a crimson tinge and alternating layers of white and brown. On juvenile twigs and branches, the bark is scaly with large flat-topped ridges and is corky.

In the spring, Rock Elm produces little green flowers in clusters that develop before the leaves. These flowers mature into thin green disks (samara) that range in size from 14 to 34 inches in diameter. The fruit is coated with fine white hairs and has a shallowly notched tip opposite the fruit stalk. 

The Rock Elm leaves become yellow before dropping off in the fall. The tree demands full sun and grows in dry soils, heavy clay, and rocky cliffs. This tree can be found in the western half of the United States, but it is not a common tree.

The wood of the Rock Elm was once used to construct pianos, although it is now rarely used for that purpose. The tree gets its name from its capacity to grow on rocky slopes and bluffs, which may explain why it’s called Rock Elm. Take a moment the next time you see one to admire the beauty of this one-of-a-kind tree. 

The cherries on the Rock Elm are an intriguing characteristic. These cherries are small, green, and have a slightly sour flavor. Despite the fact that people don’t typically eat them, animals like birds and squirrels do. While not widely eaten, the cherries of the Rock Elm are a crucial part of the ecology, providing food for a variety of species.

4. Siberian Elm

• Common Name: Siberian Elm
• Scientific Name: Ulmus pumila
• Mature Height: 30-50 feet (9-15 meters)
• Native/Non-Native: Non-native, introduced from Asia
• Attraction: Fruit/cherries
• Uses: Ornamental

The Siberian Elm trees are the shortest in Ohio. It is a tiny, non-native tree species from Asia. and has arguably the tiniest leaves of any elm tree, with simple, narrow leaves that measure 34-2 inches (2-5 cm) in length. The leaves are dark green and alternately connected, with a pointed tip, asymmetrical leaf base, double-toothed edge, and a rough texture.

Siberian Elm bark is gray with rough scales, and the tree produces flat green disks (samaras) as fruit. These are around 1/2 inch (1 cm) in diameter and lack hair when young, turning papery brown when grown. They feature a closed notch on the opposite side of the fruit stalk.

One unusual feature of Siberian Elm trees is that they produce cherries! These cherries are small and rarely eaten, but they provide a wonderful snack for birds and other creatures.

Although the Siberian Elm grows quickly, it does not reach the height or age of the American Elm. The species name pumila means “small,” referring to the tree’s diminutive height. It grows well in a wide range of soils and can withstand harsh circumstances. 

It is also somewhat resistant to Dutch elm disease and often lives considerably longer than the American Elm. 

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Common Elm Trees In Ohio – Sources

The Regional Gardening team makes sure that the information in our articles is accurate by only using sources that are known to be trustworthy. Some of these sources are peer-reviewed journals from government agencies, well-known universities, and scientific research organizations.

1. Trees Of Ohio, Division Of Wildlife
2. Trees Of Ohio Field Guide, ​​Book by Stan Tekiela
3. Ohio Trees, OSU Extension Publications
4. Native Plant Lists, Ohio Department Of Natural Resources
5. Ohio Department Of Agriculture
6. Gardening, The Ohio State University