Winged Elm
ulmus alata
Also known as: ["Winged Elm"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States, characterized by its winged twigs and branches.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Urticales |
| Family: | Ulmaceae |
| Genus: | Ulmus |
| Botanical Name: | Ulmus alata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor landscape, adaptable to various garden settings
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or filtered sunlight daily, with protection from harsh afternoon sun in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; provide shade during peak heat; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid direct sun on leaves during summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry between waterings, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Test soil pH annually; amend with compost; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–9; tolerates temperatures from -20°F to 100°F, with optimal growth in 60–80°F.
Protect from frost; water early in the day; adjust care based on seasonal extremes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilization; water before and after feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or sterile potting soil with good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; establishment may take an additional 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, plastic bags or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to control size; avoid leaving stubs.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage airflow and light penetration.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, make clean cuts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are present.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, refresh soil, ensure good drainage, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for young or rapidly growing plants.
Checklist
Prepare new pot, trim roots, add fresh soil, position plant, water lightly, place in shade temporarily.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting foliage
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the trunk, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or peat moss for organic matter; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; ensure aeration with gentle tilling.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch, wilting, premature leaf drop, or stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown; growth slows or halts; bark may crack in extreme cold.
Solution: Mulch around the base; protect with burlap in harsh winters; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced growth, or leaf drop due to excessive heat and drought.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage, use correct dilution, apply evenly, avoid contact with roots
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicUlmus alata is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain any known toxic substances that would pose a risk to felines upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicUlmus alata is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known toxic compounds in the plant that would cause harm to canines upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicUlmus alata, commonly known as winged elm, is not considered toxic to humans. The plant does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ulmus alata toxic to pets?
A: No, Ulmus alata is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: What are the common uses of Winged Elm?
A: It is primarily used for landscaping and provides habitat for wildlife.
Q: How difficult is it to care for Winged Elm?
A: It has moderate care difficulty, requiring regular maintenance.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ulmaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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