Ulmus
alata A. Michaux
Common
names: winged elm, wahoo.
Synonyms: Ulmus americana Linnaeus var. alata
(A. Michaux) Spach.
Family: Ulmaceae.
Brief
description:
Winged elm is named for the flat corky growths that can appear along
its young twigs and branches. This are a natural part of the growth
of the tree, though the function is not known (some think that, because
the cork is low in nutritional value, that the "wings" could
be a deterent to deer browsing). Like other elms, Winged Elm has leaves
which tend to be asymmetical (or unsymmetric) at the base--one side
is a bit longer than the other. The leaves turn a clear yellow in
the fall. Elms bloom early--before the leaves have emerged--with flowers
that are inconspicuous but soon become the round, winged fruits. These
disperse in Spring as the leaves are coming out on the trees. Elms
make good street trees--in old age, they tend to develop arching upper
branches that hang over the street without obstructing taffic views.
USDA
Profile
Herbarium
sheet images:
Live
specimen images:
• Branchlet
with leaves • Individual
leaf • Winged
twig • Branchlet
with buds • Close-up
of buds • Branchlet
with flowers • Close-up
of fruits •