Ulmus alata

Common Names

Winged Elm, Cork Elm, Wahoo, Wahoo Elm

Summary

Winged Elm (Ulmus alata) is a deciduous tree native to the southern woodlands of the United States, commonly grown as a shade or street tree, it is easily identified by corky wings on twigs that give a winged appearance, a vase- to rounded crown, and green leaves that turn yellow in autumn, flowers are inconspicuous and appear in early spring before leaf-out, and fruits are small samaras. It prefers full sun to partial shade and adapts to a wide range of soils with well-drained moisture, making it well-suited for urban plantings such as streets and medians. It is fast-growing and requires regular pruning early to develop a central trunk and well-spaced major limbs, propagation is by seed, disease considerations include susceptibility to Dutch elm disease, with powdery mildew, mites, and scale as other potential problems, hardy in USDA zones 6–9.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

45-70 feet

Spread

30-40 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6-9

Sunlight Requirements

Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Moist and well-drained soil.

Soil pH

5.5-6.0

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green, upper surface medium to dark green, lower surface pale green; turns yellow in autumn.

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow to Orange

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast; typically about 1–2 feet per year under good conditions.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Fall, and Winter.

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies, birds, and other pollinators