American Elms are small to medium-sized tree, at maturity with spreading branches forming a broad-spreading, fan-shaped crown. American Elm leaves are alternate, simple, 4–6 inches long, 2–3 inches wide, with a surface that's mostly smooth to somewhat rough. American Elm bark is gray, in cross-section with alternating brown and white layers, grooves deep, ridges flattened with thin closely pressed scales. (USDA Zones 6-9)