Deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs. Buds scaly. Leaves mostly alternate, simple, toothed, often unequal at the base and stalked; stipules soon shed. Flowers bisexual or unisexual. Perianth segments 4-6, free or united at the base; stamens as many as perianth segments (sometimes twice as many) and opposite them. Carpels 2, fused. Ovary superior with 1 chamber, 1 ovule and 2 styles. Fruit a samara, nut or drupe.

Leaves mostly asymmetrical.

18 genera and about 150 species from tropical and temperate regions but mostly north temperate.

Source: Spencer, R. (1997). Ulmaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 2. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 1. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.