Trees on the National Mall

ELMS

These shade-providing trees were once a dominant species along the Mall before Dutch elm disease struck in the 20th century. Look for a four-letter name often linked to classic American landscapes.

The National Mall in Washington, D.C. is famously lined with American elm trees, making "ELMS" the straightforward answer. The clue doesn’t rely on wordplay—it’s a direct reference to the iconic trees planted along the Mall’s pathways and memorials. If you’ve visited or seen photos of the area, the tall, arching elms are hard to miss.