Ulmus alata aka Winged Elm

Ulmus alata, or winged elm, belongs to the elm family. This deciduous tree grows in the central and southeastern United States. Its range runs from Virginia south to Florida and west to Texas. It grows on dry, rocky slopes and in moist valleys. Trees also grow beside streams and at woodland edges.

Garden height estimates differ between sources. Missouri Botanical Garden gives 30–50 feet [9.1–15.2 metres]. NC State gives 40–60 feet [12.2–18.3 metres]. Florida's guide gives 45–70 feet [13.7–21.3 metres]. Woodland trees may reach 90 feet [27.4 metres]. Spread reaches about 40 feet [12.2 metres]. The crown may be rounded, vase-shaped, or pyramidal. Open-grown trees have short trunks and arching branches. Forest trees grow taller and straighter. Growth is fast, though soil and moisture affect final size.

Corky wings run along opposite sides of young twigs. Their size varies from tree to tree. Bark ranges from reddish brown to ash gray. Shallow cracks divide its broad, flat ridges. Dark green leaves grow in an alternate pattern. They have rough surfaces, pointed tips, and uneven bases. Their edges have two rows of teeth. Leaves turn yellow in fall, though the display varies. Small flowers form clusters before the leaves open. Their shades range from brownish green to reddish green. Bloom falls in February–March in North Carolina, or March–April elsewhere. Flat, oval samaras follow, each enclosing one seed. Fine hairs line their edges, and seeds ripen in spring.

Full sun suits this tree, but it accepts partial shade. It prefers rich, moist loam with good drainage. It also grows in clay, sand, and rocky soil. It accepts acidic and alkaline ground, plus wet or dry sites. Drought tolerance is high, and it copes with urban conditions. Sources place it in USDA zones 6–9. Winter survival may vary around St. Louis. Young trees need repeated pruning to form one main trunk.

Winged elm serves as a shade or street tree. It also fits woodland plantings and supports butterfly larvae. People use its heavy wood for furniture, boxes, and tools. Fibres from the inner bark can make string. Dutch elm disease can kill it, limiting its landscape value. Mildew, phloem necrosis, wetwood, cankers, and leaf spots also occur. Borers, beetles, leaf miners, mites, and scale may attack. Plants For A Future lists leaves as edible, raw or cooked. It reports no known hazards and no known medicinal uses.