Ulmus americana

Leaves smooth when growing in very wet areas; otherwise leaves are rough. Leaf bases very uneven. Under bark is red and white. Samaras notched at tip with ciliate margins.

Found in rich soil along streams and rivers throughout Louisiana and the eastern third of Texas. The Acadian French name for all elms is "orme," the traditional French name (Homes 1990).

Rivers, streams, and lowlands with rich soils, moist fertile soils.

American elm is classed as moderate in heaviness, hardness, and stiffness. It has good shock resistance, but is moderately weak. Like all other commercial species of elm, it has excellent bending qualities. The wood is slightly below average in woodworking properties, but is among the best in ease of gluing. It is intermediate in nail-holding ability. It's used in the manufacture of containers, furniture, and dairy and poultry supplies. Because it bends so readily, it is much used for slack cooperage and kegs. Its veneer goes into fruit and vegetable boxes, crates, and baskets. It is used for crating of heavy articles, and in furniture for the bent parts of chairs and other items.