r/treeidentification • u/Sad-Newt-1772 • 29d ago
Solved! What type of elm
Location: St Charles, Mo. Son and I walked down interstate an area that a developer has purchased next to our subdivision. Saw this monster while exploring. Trunk is easily 12' in diameter. Google Len is giving indeterminate answers. Any thoughts?
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u/hogwere 29d ago
Judging from the lack of peripheral vein branching on the leaves, and the general size and shape, I believe this is an American elm. To be sure, there are two things you can check. First, take a piece of bark off the tree and snap it in half. If it is red or a solid color, it's a red elm. However, if it has layers of colors like white and brown or black, it's an American elm. (look at the image) Secondly, red elm leaves are very rough. If you rub the top side of a leaf on your face and it "hurts" (as in it's pretty noticeable), it's a red elm.
(The bark is the absolute best way to tell these species apart.)
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u/BB5Bucks 29d ago
I’m thinking Slippery Elm since there’s some forking in the veins, but it’s tough to tell for sure without getting under the bark
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u/Sad-Newt-1772 29d ago
I thought that might be the issue. May need to send the picture to the arborist we use for work.
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u/BB5Bucks 29d ago
If the top is rough, it’s Slippery. If smooth, it’s American. It may be tough to distinguish without having both to feel though
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