Winged Elm is a native species, found throughout the southeastern corner of the United States, from southern Virginia, west to the Ohio Valley and Texas, and south into Florida. Of all the species of elms native to the United states, winged elm is perhaps the least tolerant of shade. It is classified as a shade tolerant tree. The biggest problem is Dutch elm disease, transmitted by insects, which can kill the trees. To protect the community from widespread tree loss, do not plant a large number of these trees.

The most interesting thing about the winged elm is that the mast is eaten by birds and animals, and the twigs and leaves are important for white-tailed deer. Both twigs and leaves are most nutritious and digestible during the spring and are less useful as food the rest of the year because after abscission, the leaves lose most of their quality and digestibility. The seeds are eaten by rodents, small mammals, and numerous birds.

Bark: The bark is a brownish-gray color, often with a greenish cast. It has vertical plates, curvy furrows, and flat ridges. The fibrous inner bark is used to make baling twine.

Foliage: The foliage are simple, doubly serrate, alternate, and oval to narrowly elliptical leaves, from 1 1/4 - 2 1/2 inches long and half as wide with a smooth upper surface and hairy undersides. The color is dark green, but in the fall turn a bright yellow and fall from the tree early.

Flowers: The flowers are small, greenish - red in clusters, appearing mid to late February before leaf buds open.

Fruit: The fruit is a flat, hairy, reddish-orange samara, about 1/3 inch long, surrounded by a narrow wing sticks appearing in April to May.

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More Information

Tree ID Number:	435
Scientific Name:	Ulmus alata
Mature Height:	30 - 40ft
Canopy Spread (Diameter):
Branching Shape:	Round
Growth Rate:	Fast
Wood Strength:	Hard but flexible
Cold Hardiness Zone:	6-9
Soil Moisture Requirements:	Wet, Moist, Dry
Light Requirements:	Sun
Common Pests:	Powdery mildew
Comments:	Common ornamental value, but like other native elms, susceptible to Dutch elm disease.

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