Discover the Adaptable Winged Elm: A Fast-Growing Native Shade Tree with Unique Bark
The Winged Elm (Ulmus alata) is a fast-growing, adaptable North American native tree easily recognized by the corky, wing-like projections on its twigs and branches. Typically reaching 45 to 70 feet in height with a variable canopy from pyramidal to rounded, it thrives in both wet and dry sites, making it a sturdy choice for urban planting. Its dark green leaves turn a showy yellow in the fall. While needing early pruning to establish a strong structure, the Winged Elm is a resilient shade or street tree well-suited to parking lot islands and confined spaces. Its unique “wings” and adaptability make it a noteworthy addition to any landscape.
Sizes Available
Wholesale Only
1 Gallon
$4.00
3 Gallon
$8.00
A Winged Elm branch clearly displays its characteristic corky “wings” alongside its leaves.
Scientific Name: Ulmus alata
Common Name: Winged Elm, Cork Elm, Small Leaf Elm, Wahoo, Witch Elm
Hardiness Zones: 6A through 9B
Height: 45 to 70 feet
Spread: 30 to 40 feet
Growth Rate: Fast
Foliage: Spring & Summer: Dark green, simple, alternate leaves with double serrate margins. Fall: Turns a showy yellow, providing attractive autumn color.
Bark: Red-brown to ashy gray, shallowly fissured, with flat-topped ridges and distinctive corky, wing-like projections on twigs and branches, although these may be less prominent on older trees.
Sun: Full sun to partial shade is suitable for the Winged Elm.
Soil: Very adaptable, tolerating clay, sand, loam, alkaline, acidic, wet, and well-drained soils.
Wildlife Value: The seeds are an important early spring food source for songbirds. It is also a larval host plant for the Question Mark butterfly and Red-spotted Purple butterfly.
Why Choose Winged Elm?
Unique Corky "Wings" on Bark:
The Winged Elm is easily identified by the distinctive corky, wing-like projections found along its twigs and branches. This unique characteristic adds visual interest and texture to the tree, making it a noteworthy specimen in any landscape.
Highly Adaptable to Various Conditions:
This North American native thrives in a wide range of conditions, tolerating both wet and dry sites, as well as various soil types, making it a resilient choice for urban environments, street plantings, and even challenging soil conditions.
Fast Growth and Good Shade Tree:
With its rapid growth rate, the Winged Elm quickly provides ample shade, making it a desirable option for those seeking fast coverage. Its variable yet generally spreading canopy offers good shade for lawns, parks, and urban areas.
Provides Early Spring Food for Wildlife:
The Winged Elm’s seeds are an important food source for songbirds in early spring, supporting local bird populations during a crucial time of year. It also serves as a host plant for several butterfly species, further enhancing its ecological value.
Environmental Benefits of Planting Winged Elm
This data is based on US Averages of healthy and mature trees over a 20-year period.
Check out the USDA’s MyTree Tool to input your custom location data.
CO2 Offset
A single winged elm can offset the CO₂ emissions produced by driving an average gas-powered car for 15,304 miles.
Water Filtration
A single winged elm can absorb enough stormwater to fill 1,406 bathtubs, reducing erosion, runoff, and supporting transpiration.
Removes Air Pollution
A single winged elm removes as much air pollution as the weight of 183 smartphones.
Featured Projects
Central Florida Lands and Timber Nursery, LLC. is a wholesale nursery specializing in a wide array of Florida native trees. With an inventory of over 2 million container-grown trees, CFLTN, LCC can meet the needs of large-scale reforestation, mitigation, and landscaping projects throughout the Southeast region.
Phone
(386) 294-1211
Address
3087 North County Road 53 Mayo, Florida 32066