Family: Ulmaceae, in rosoid group [or urticalean subgroup].
Form: large tree, with widely arching branches, often up to 100-120 feet.
Range: widespread across eastern North America; however, in south-eastern states there is a distinct segregate (diploid versus tetraploid).
Habitat: mostly in lowland woods on moist base-rich soils, especially on fertile base-rich soils; but also spreading in farmland on uplands; moderately shade tolerant.
Consumers: young shoots and leaves often much browsed by mammalian herbivores. Pests and pathogens are sometimes destructive, especially Dutch Elm Disease, an Asian fungus spread by bark beetles. However, large trees remain widely scattered, and produce many seedlings.
Growing notes: seeds mostly need overwintering to germinate; seedlings and even saplings are easily transplanted.