Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

Wasowski, Sally and Andy

Planera aquatica

Planera aquatica J.F. Gmel.

Planer Tree, Water Elm

Ulmaceae (Elm Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: PLAQ

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Planer tree 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.