Any species of Ulmus, a genus of hardwood trees in the Northern Hemisphere, with simple, serrate, deciduous leaves. The American or white elm (U. americana) is the most important species. It ranges from the eastern half of the United States westward as far as the base of the northern Rockies and southward through central Texas to the Gulf of Mexico. The tree is also found in southern Canada.

The tree was very popular as a shade tree, perhaps better adapted as a street tree than any other species because the upper branches spread, joining with elms across the street to form an arch. Once abundant, the elm has been severely attacked by the lethal Dutch elm disease imported from Europe. The future of the species is uncertain.