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Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Planera aquatica J.F. Gmel.
Planertree, Water elm
Ulmaceae (Elm Family)
USDA Symbol: PLAQ
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Planertree or water elm is a small, deciduous tree, often with sprouts near the base. Its spreading branches form a low, broad crown to 40 ft. in height. Reddish-brown, scaly, flaky bark covers the short trunk. Dull-green leaves are asymmetrically elm-like.
This distinctive and uncommon small tree is the only species of its genus; however, fossil relatives have been found in Eurasia. Dedicated to Johann Jakob Planer (1743-89), German botanist and professor of medicine.
From the Image Gallery
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: GreenBloom Time: Mar , Apr
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , FL , GA , IL , KY , LA , MO , MS , NC , OK , SC , TN , TXNative Distribution: Coastal Plain from s.e. NC & n. FL to e. TX; n. in Mississippi Valley to s. IL
Native Habitat: Swampy areas; alluvial floodplains; river banks
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Part Shade
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Sandy or gravelly, moist, seasonally wet soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Planera aquatica in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Planera aquatica in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Planera aquatica
Metadata
Record Modified: 2008-04-01Research By: TWC Staff
