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Extension

Plant Profile 
FYUSE 3d Image

Common Name: Winged Elm
Other Name: Cork Elm
Species Name: Ulmus alata
Family Name: Ulmaceae, Elm Family

Plant Facts 
OriginNorth America
DurationPerrenial 
Distribution in the U.S.Eastern half of the state
Sun PreferenceFull Sun
SusceptibilityDutch elm disease, phloem necrosis, powdery mildew, mites and scale

ID Characteristics

  • Field Identification Characteristics
    • Readily recognized by planar papery bark along twigs; “winged”
    • Small, alternate, serrated leaves
    • Bark light gray-brown; irregularly furrowed
    • Fruit brown, hairy and winged
  • Leaf and Stem Characteristics
    • Leaf Type: Simple
    • Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
    • Leaf Blade Edge: Double-serrated
    • Leaf Blade Length: 3-6 centimeters
  • Floral Characteristics
    • Petal Number: Absent
    • Flower Timing: March-April
    • Fruit Type: Samaras
Habitat/Ecology 
Soil PreferenceAdapted to most soil conditions
USDA Cold Hardiness Zone
NotesDrought and heat tolerant; ‘Lace Parasol’ is an interesting weeping cultivar