water elm Ulmaceae Planera aquatica J.F. Gmel. symbol: PLAQ Leaf: Alternate, simple, ovate, serrated margin, 1 to 3 inches long, 1/2 to 1 inch wide, dark green above, paler below. Flower: Very small, with curling, fuzzy stigmas, appearing with leaves in early spring. Fruit: Small drupe but very distinctive, 1/2 inch long, covered with warty to long projections. Twig: Slender, slightly zigzag, initially hairy but becoming glabrous, reddish to gray-brown, lateral buds short, reddish brown, blunt tipped. Bark: Scaly, shreddy, and patchy, grayish brown on the surface, more reddish where patches exfoliate. Form: Small tree to 35 feet, often vase-shaped in appearance; flared, flattened roots often develop in wet areas. Looks like: American elm - sugarberry Additional Range Information: Planera aquatica is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. See states reporting water elm. External Links: USDA Plants Database