Tree to 20 m (65 ft) tall and 60 cm (2 ft) in diameter with broad spreading crown. Bark light brown, thin, divided into wide scaly ridges. Twigs thin, shiny brown, usually glabrous, sometimes with corky ridges on older twigs. Buds brown, glabrous, pointed, no terminal bud. Leaves alternate, elliptical, acuminate, with the two sides of the rounded base unequal, 5-9 cm (2-3.6 in) long and 2.5-4.5 cm (1-1.8 in) wide, margins doubly serrate, shiny green and smooth above, paler and usually hairy on veins below. Flowers in small clusters, small, greenish or brownish, blooming in late Summer. Fruits in small clusters at leaf bases, elliptical samaras about 10-13 mm (0.4-0.5 in) long, maturing in Fall.
Distribution: Native to about the southeastern quarter of the U. S., mostly in mountainous areas.
Habitat: Well-drained floodplain forests, moist upland forests.
NWI status: FAC
Comment: Ulmus is the old Latin name for the elms; serotina refers to the late flowering and fruiting of the species.
Distribution in Oklahoma: 
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Last update: 9/21/99
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