Common names: winged elm, wahoo, cork elm

Scientific names: Ulmus alata

Seasons of significant use: spring

Characteristics: Native, perennial tree to 81.0 feet. Bark light brown to gray, thin, fissures irregular and shallow; twigs often with conspicuous, opposite, usually thin, corky wings; leaves deciduous, alternate, simple, usually oblique at base, almost sessile, usually double serrate on margin; inflorescence a few flowered raceme; flowers in drooping fascicles, before leaves in early spring; fruit is an elliptical to oblong samara, thin and flat, hairy, usually border with narrow wing, maturing in April-May. Flowers February-May.

Plant community type: Uplands and bottomlands. Occurs in both wooded and open situations. Often forms thickets on recently "cleared" land.

Comments: Prolific root sprouter. Thicketization in grassland situations can be controlled with burns on a 2-3 year rotation if implemented with adequate fuel and before the trees are too large.

More Plant Photos and Descriptions:
Appendix C: Plants by Common Name
Appendix C: Plants by Scientific Name
Appendix C: Plants Listed by Family