Winged Elm is a very common medium-sized early-succesional tree, most found in a wide range of habitats, from old fields to bottomlands to rock outcrops.

Durham Co., NC 5/3/08.

The leaves are narrower and shorter than our other elms.

Orange Co., NC 9/20/02.

Corky wings on the branches and trunk may be as pronounced as on this tree, or may be nearly absent, as in the top photo.

Orange Co., NC 9/20/02.

The flowers, which are produced in March before the trees leaf out, have a brownish to dull reddish tinge, unlike the bright green of Slippery Elm (U. rubra) and American Elm (U. americana). The samaras (fruits) are smaller and more elongate than the other elms, and very hairy.

Orange Co., NC 3/30/05.

Orange Co., NC 4/10/05.

The bark of a young tree often has amazing corky wings and warts.

Orange Co., NC 10/15/06.

Bark of the same young tree, further down.

Orange Co., NC 10/15/06.

The bark of a mature tree is quite different, with flat plates separated by shallow fissures.

Harnett Co., NC 4/19/03.