How to identify Winged elm (Ulmus alata)

How to identify Winged elm (Ulmus alata)

Winged elm, also known as Cork elm

Winged elm is a deciduous tree that typically reaches heights of 40 to 60 feet (12 to 18 meters) and a trunk diameter of 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm). The distinctive feature of winged elm is its short trunk and upward arching branches that contribute to a rounded canopy when the tree is grown in isolation. In more densely forested areas, winged elm exhibits a taller, straighter growth habit. A notable characteristic is the 'wings' or corky ridges along its branches.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Winged elm

Distinctive corky ridges along branches.

Small, inconspicuous brownish-green flowers without petals.

Fruit with light-colored fuzz and two long, curving bristles.

Rough-textured, dark green leaves with doubly toothed margins.

Rough-textured stem with wide corky ridges and flattened appearance.

Detailed Traits of Winged elm

Leaf Features

The leaves of winged elm are alternate, ovate to elliptic, and pointed, measuring 1.5 to 3.5 inches (4 to 9 cm) in length. They are dark green and rough-textured with doubly toothed margins and asymmetrical bases. The leaves turn a dull yellowish-green in the fall.

Leaf Shape

Ovate ,

Obovate ,

Elliptic ,

Circular

Leaf Base

Cordate ,

Cuneate

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of winged elm are small, brownish-green and appear in clusters. Each flower is about 1/4 inch (6 mm) in size. They bloom in late winter to early spring, typically between February and March before the leaves emerge. The structure includes curling fuzzy stigmas but lacks prominent petals. The blooms are generally insignificant and do not have a noticeable scent, making them a subtle but crucial feature for identifying the plant.

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Stem Features

The stem of winged elm is distinctively marked by two wide corky ridges or wings, which are a key identifying feature. These wings give the stem a somewhat flattened appearance. The texture is rough, and the color ranges from brown to gray. Stems are generally medium-thick, measuring approximately 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) in diameter. They have a somewhat zigzag branching pattern, which is typical for the species.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of winged elm is a small drupe with a notable light-colored fuzz, measuring approximately 1/3 inch (about 8.5 mm) in length. This drupe is distinctive for its two long, curving bristles that tip the end, lending an unusual appearance. The mature seeds are revealed during April-May, coinciding with the full sizing of the leaves. The fruit's availability stretches from March to April, offering a narrow window for observation and collection.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Winged elm and Their Similar Plants

Siberian elm vs. Winged elm: What's The Difference?

Siberian elm is a deciduous plant recently introduced to Southern Europe from Asia. The plant rapidly resprouts from its roots and is considered invasive. It is planted to break winds and control soil erosion. The plant is quite hardy and can grow in soils that are saline or polluted.

American elm vs. Winged elm: What's The Difference?

American elm (Ulmus americana) is a deciduous hermaphroditic tree which can be found in a variety of habitats - swamps, low-laying lands, areas surrounding rivers, hillsides, and highlands. It was a very dominant tree species in North America before Dutch elm disease was introduced during the first half of the 20th century, which caused massive die-offs.

Chinese elm vs. Winged elm: What's The Difference?

Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia) is a small, deciduous elm tree native to China, Japan, North Korea, and Vietnam. This tree is considered to have the hardest wood of all elm tree species. Commercially, its wood is used to make baseball bats, bows, and the handles of tools. Ornamentally, the chinese elm is used in landscaping in areas with a good amount of full sunlight.

Field elm vs. Winged elm: What's The Difference?

A common use for field elm (Ulmus minor) and other types of elm trees is for their wood, which has an interlocking grain and is therefore resistant to splitting. This tree has a distinctive crown, and you can tell it apart from the similar wych elm by noting the fact that its shoots are more slender.

Wych elm vs. Winged elm: What's The Difference?

You don't see wych elm (Ulmus glabra) much anymore because Dutch elm disease wiped out much of its population. The caterpillar form of the white-letter hairstreak butterfly depends on this tree for nutritional sustenance, so it's also in decline. In medieval magical beliefs, elm trees supposedly had the power to give you prophetic dreams.

Slippery elm vs. Winged elm: What's The Difference?

Slippery elm is an elm tree native to North America that grows throughout the United States and Canada in both dry and moist soils. The inner bark has a slippery texture that gives the tree its name. Though not often used in carpentry, the wood is fibrous and can be turned into excellent twine or rope. This species is susceptible to damage by the elm leaf beetle.

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Key Facts About Winged elm

Attributes of Winged elm

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

10 m to 18 m

Spread

9 m to 12 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

6 mm

Flower Color

Green

Red

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Scientific Classification of Winged elm

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Elm

Genus

Elms

Species

Winged elm (Ulmus alata)

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Distribution Map of Winged elm

Winged elm (Ulmus alata) is found in the wild only in its native habitats in the south and southeastern states of the USA along stream banks in wooded areas. It does not occur anywhere as an introduced species and it is only rarely grown ornamentally within its native range and Europe.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Winged elm

A Comprehensive Guide to Winged elm How to Grow and Care for Winged elm