Guides · Tree database · Pennsylvania trees
Siberian elm identification: leaves, bark, fruit and twigs
Siberian elm, Ulmus pumila, is an introduced tree in Pennsylvania. How to recognize it by its leaves, bark, fruit and twigs, and how to tell it from look-alikes.
Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Small leaves 1 to 2 1/2 inches long with single teeth and a nearly even base. Bark: Light grayish brown with irregular furrows, often streaked by oozing wetwood stains. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
How to identify Siberian elm
| Leaf type | Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Small leaves 1 to 2 1/2 inches long with single teeth and a nearly even base. |
| Bark | Light grayish brown with irregular furrows, often streaked by oozing wetwood stains. |
| Fruit | Thin, round papery seeds about 1/2 inch across, notched at the tip, ripe in spring. |
| Twigs | Slender, slightly zigzag grayish twigs with tiny dark buds. |
| Size and shape | Up to about 70 feet; usually ragged-looking from broken limbs and sprouts. |
From the Virginia Tech Dendrology fact sheet, in our own words.
Is Siberian elm native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists Siberian elm as introduced: it is not native to Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania DCNR keeps Siberian elm on the watch list of its invasive plant list. DCNR defines invasive plants as species that are not native, grow aggressively and push out native plants.
See all 140 trees, with a 4-question identifier, in our Pennsylvania tree identification guide.
Trees that look like Siberian elm
| Tree | Its leaves |
|---|---|
| Slippery elm Ulmus rubra | Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Leaves 4 to 6 inches long with sharp double teeth and a lopsided base, very rough like sandpaper on top. |
| American elm Ulmus americana | Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Leaves 3 to 5 inches long with sharp double teeth and a clearly lopsided base, smooth or slightly rough on top. |
Compare the leaves first, then the bark, fruit and twigs on each tree’s page.
Questions
How do you identify Siberian elm?
Look for alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Small leaves 1 to 2 1/2 inches long with single teeth and a nearly even base. Bark: Light grayish brown with irregular furrows, often streaked by oozing wetwood stains.
Is Siberian elm native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists Siberian elm as introduced: it is not native to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania DCNR keeps Siberian elm on the watch list of its invasive plant list.
How big does Siberian elm get?
Up to about 70 feet; usually ragged-looking from broken limbs and sprouts.
How can you tell Siberian elm in winter?
Check the twigs and bark. Twigs: Slender, slightly zigzag grayish twigs with tiny dark buds. Bark: Light grayish brown with irregular furrows, often streaked by oozing wetwood stains.
What tree looks like Siberian elm?
Slippery elm, American elm. Compare the leaves first.
Sources: Virginia Tech Dendrology (Ulmus pumila fact sheet); Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, PA Vascular Plant List (native or introduced status); Pennsylvania DCNR Invasive Plant List. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
Muthler Landscaping & Construction · Lock Haven, PA
Building near a tree?
Planning a patio, wall or planting bed near a tree? We build them from Lock Haven to State College and Williamsport. Outside central PA? Groundwork Single Space ($349) is a scaled 2D plan of one area with plants matched to your hardiness zone, designed remotely.
Get a quoteSee landscape designAlso: Pennsylvania tree identification, tree database, tree planting distance guide, Pennsylvania neighbor tree law.
Muthler Landscaping & Construction LLC · 913 Bellefonte Ave, Lock Haven, PA 17745 · (570) 397-9800 · PA HIC #PA212584. Call 811 before you dig.