Overview
Ulmus alata Michx. also known as Winged Elm or Wahoo Elm is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family of Ulmaceae. The plant is native to the southeastern United States and has a broad distribution ranging from Texas to Florida and up to Virginia.
Appearance
The Winged Elm is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 80 feet in height and can span up to 40 feet wide. The tree has a slender trunk that tapers into branches that fan out to form a broad, rounded crown. The tree has a distinctive bark that is gray and deeply furrowed, which is covered with lenticels or wart-like growths. The plant's leaves are small, elliptical, and features a serrated margin. The dark green leaves turn yellow or reddish in the fall.
Uses
Winged Elm has many uses. Historically, the Native Americans have used the inner bark of the tree to make tea, which can treat a sore throat. The wood of the Winged Elm is heavy, hard, and strong, and it has been used to manufacture tools, wagon wheels, and furniture. The tree is also used in landscaping, mainly as a shade tree, where its broad and spreading crown makes it an ideal tree for backyards and parks.
Additionally, the Winged Elm has many environmental benefits. The tree is drought-tolerant, disease-resistant, and can grow in various soil types, including clay, sand, and loam. It also provides food and nesting sites for several bird species.
Light requirements
The Ulmus alata Michx. plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. The plant thrives in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight but can tolerate partial shade as well. Too much shade can lead to slower growth, weaker stems, and smaller leaves.
Temperature requirements
The Ulmus alata Michx. plant is native to warm, humid climates and prefers temperatures between 60-90°F (15.5-32°C) for optimal growth. The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 and can tolerate occasional frost but is not frost-tolerant.
Soil requirements
The Ulmus alata Michx. plant grows best in well-drained, fertile soils that are slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.0-7.5). The plant can tolerate a range of soil textures, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, it prefers soils rich in organic matter. The plant is moderately drought-tolerant but does not tolerate waterlogged soil.
Cultivation Methods for Ulmus alata Michx.
Ulmus alata Michx., commonly known as the winged elm, is hardy in USDA zones 6-9 and can be grown in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, sand, and acidic or alkaline soils. This tree prefers full sun to partial shade and requires well-draining soil for optimal growth. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings, and it's best to plant it in the spring or fall when the weather is not too hot.
Watering Needs of Ulmus alata Michx.
As a young tree, Ulmus alata Michx. should be watered regularly to establish a healthy root system. Afterward, the tree's watering needs can be reduced slightly. When the weather turns hot or dry, the tree should be watered deeply once a week. It's best to avoid watering the tree's leaves, which can cause fungal growth and other diseases.
Fertilization for Ulmus alata Michx.
Ulmus alata Michx. does not require much fertilization but can benefit from feeding in early spring or late fall with a balanced fertilizer that includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Care should be taken not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive growth and weak branches.
Pruning Ulmus alata Michx.
Ulmus alata Michx. should be pruned in late winter to early spring when the tree is still dormant. This allows for easier handling and reduces stress on the tree. Young trees should be pruned to encourage a central leader and to remove any crossing or damaged branches. As the tree matures, pruning should be done to maintain a healthy structure and remove any weak or diseased branches.
Propagation of Ulmus alata Michx.
Ulmus alata Michx., commonly known as winged elm, can be propagated through several methods, including seeds, root cuttings, and softwood cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Ulmus alata Michx. is through seed propagation. The fruits of the tree contain a single, small seed with a papery wing. These seeds should be collected in late summer or early fall and sown immediately in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds require cold stratification to break dormancy, which can be achieved by placing them in a refrigerator for several weeks. Once the seeds have sprouted, they can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the ground.
Root Cuttings
Root cuttings are another method of propagation for Ulmus alata Michx. To propagate through this method, cut root segments about six inches long from the parent tree in the late fall or early winter. These segments should be planted horizontally in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. After several months, new shoots will emerge from the top of the cutting, indicating successful propagation. These can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the ground.
Softwood Cuttings
Ulmus alata Michx. can also be propagated through softwood cuttings taken in the early summer. Cuttings should be taken from young, actively growing shoots, and should be about six inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. These cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. After several months, new shoots will emerge from the top of the cutting, indicating successful propagation. These can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Ulmus alata Michx.
Ulmus alata Michx., commonly known as winged elm, is a native tree species in the southeastern United States. Despite being relatively resistant to diseases and pests, it is still vulnerable to several pathogens and insect pests that can cause severe damage and even death if left untreated. Therefore, proper disease and pest management practices are crucial to ensure the health and longevity of this plant.
Common Diseases of Ulmus alata Michx.
Bacterial leaf scorch and verticillium wilt are two common diseases that can affect Ulmus alata Michx. Bacterial leaf scorch is caused by a bacterium called Xylella fastidiosa, which clogs the water-conducting vessels of the plant, leading to wilting, leaf scorch, and dieback. Verticillium wilt, on the other hand, is caused by a soil-borne fungus called Verticillium dahliae or Verticillium albo-atrum. This disease also causes wilting and yellowing of the leaves, but it usually affects one or more branches of the tree rather than the whole tree.
To manage bacterial leaf scorch, infected branches should be pruned at least six inches below the visible symptoms and discarded properly. Avoid pruning during wet weather and sanitize pruning tools between cuts with a 10% bleach solution to prevent the spread of the bacterium. In cases of severe infections, a systemic antibiotic called oxytetracycline can be injected into the trunk. To manage verticillium wilt, there is no cure, but the infected branches or the whole tree should be removed and destroyed as soon as the symptoms appear to prevent further spread to healthy trees. Avoid replanting susceptible trees in the same spot and choose resistant varieties instead.
Common Pests of Ulmus alata Michx.
Elm leaf beetles and aphids are two common pests that can attack Ulmus alata Michx. Elm leaf beetles can cause extensive defoliation, leading to reduced growth, weakened trees, and even death. These beetles overwinter in leaf litter and can quickly infest trees in the spring. Aphids, on the other hand, suck the sap from the leaves, leading to curled, distorted, and discolored leaves. These insects reproduce rapidly, forming large colonies on the leaves, and attracting ants that protect and farm them.
To manage elm leaf beetles, remove and destroy all fallen leaves from around the tree in the fall to reduce overwintering sites. Insecticidal sprays can also be applied in the spring to control the adult beetles before they lay eggs. To manage aphids, natural enemies such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps can be encouraged by planting nectar-rich flowers and avoiding the use of broad-spectrum insecticides that kill beneficial insects. High-pressure water sprays or insecticidal soaps can also be used to dislodge or suffocate the aphids if the infestation is mild.
