How to identify Water elm (Planera aquatica)
Water elm, also known as Common planer
Water elm exhibits a growth habit as either a large shrub or small tree, typically featuring multiple stems emanating from a short trunk. It possesses a broad, low spreading crown. The foliage is deciduous, with the plant favoring moist, seasonally inundated soils. Its growth rate is slow, accompanying a notable longevity. Physical identification is facilitated by its association with wetland habitats and its distinctive growth structure.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Tree
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Distinctive oblong leaves, dark green above and paler beneath, with serrated margins and pronounced veins.
Tiny flowers with curling fuzzy stigmas, lacking prominent petals, blooming in late spring to early summer.
Stalked leathery drupe fruit, about 1/2 inch in size, with fleshy burr-like projections.
Reddish to gray-brown stems, initially hairy and becoming smooth, varying in diameter with a branching pattern.
Distinctive trunk bark with rough texture, grayish-brown color, patchy exfoliations, shedding in irregular patterns.
Water elm leaves are oblong to elliptic, measuring 1 to 3 inches (2.54 to 7.62 cm) in length and 1/2 to 1 inch (1.27 to 2.54 cm) in width. The upper surface is dark green, while the underside is paler. The leaf base is typically unequal. The leaves exhibit a serrated margin and have a somewhat rough texture, with pronounced veins. This distinct combination of size, color, and texture is key to identifying water elm.
The flowers of water elm are very small, approximately 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) in diameter. They feature distinctive curling fuzzy stigmas, which give them a unique, delicate appearance. The flowers lack prominent petals and have a somewhat inconspicuous structure. Typically, they bloom in late spring to early summer, emitting a very subtle, almost undetectable scent. The tiny size and the characteristic fuzzy stigmas are distinguishing features crucial for identifying these flowers.
Water elm features reddish to gray-brown stems that are initially covered with fine hairs but transition to a smooth texture as they mature. The young stems display a hairy surface, providing a soft touch, while older stems lose these hairs and become more streamlined. The stem's diameter can vary, reflecting the plant’s age and growth, and it typically exhibits a branching pattern that is moderately dense. These characteristics make the stem a distinctive feature for identifying water elm.
The fruit of water elm is a unique, stalked leathery drupe, roughly 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) in size. It bears distinctive fleshy burr-like projections on its surface, contributing to its textured appearance. This drupe typically matures to exhibit a hardy outer skin and is noted for its persistence on the plant. Its key features, including its size, texture, and the burr-like outgrowths, make it easily identifiable to those familiarizing themselves with this species.
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Scientific Classification of Water elm
