State trees of North Dakota

ELMS

These shade-providing giants were once common along Midwestern streets before a devastating fungal disease spread in the 20th century. Look for a plural four-letter name.

The clue asks for the state trees of North Dakota, which are the American elm and the rock elm—both commonly referred to as "elms." Since crossword answers are often shortened for space, "ELMS" fits neatly as the plural form. There’s no wordplay here; it’s a straightforward fact-based clue about official state symbols. If you know North Dakota’s trees, the answer comes right to mind.