Winged
Elm
(Ulmus
alata Michx)
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Winged
elm, sometimes called cork elm, takes its common name from the
corky "wings" often present on its twigs. On vigorously growing
trees, these thin wings may be as much as 1/2 inch wide. Winged
elm is scattered over the state, except in the mountains. Winged
elm usually is found on dry, gravelly uplands but also grows in
moist, alluvial soils. Although it grows most rapidly in moist
conditions, it is one of the best trees for planting along roadsides
in dry, poor locations.
Leaves are 11/2 to 3 1/2 inches long, oblong-oval, pointed, rough-textured
and coarsely toothed on the margins. The fruit is about 1/3 inch
long, each tipped at the end with two long, curving bristles (awns).
The orange-red fruits (samaras) are covered with light colored,
hairy fuzz. The bark is light brown, divided into irregular flat
ridges and fissures.
This elm is a medium-sized tree of 40 to 50 feet in height and
from I to 2 feet in diameter. When open-grown, it has a short
bole, with branches arching upward to form an open, rounded crown.
Forest-grown trees often are tall and straight.
The heavy wood is hard and strong. It is used in the furniture
industry and for crates and boxes. |
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