Winged Elm
Ulmus alata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Winged Elm (Ulmus alata) is a native deciduous tree found across the southeastern and south-central United States. It blooms from March through May and supports butterfly populations as a pollinator plant.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Winged Elm as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
360"–480" H × 360"–480" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 14 more states
Pollinators
butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Winged Elm is a medium-sized native Texas tree with distinctive corky wings on its branches that give it year-round interest. This deciduous tree provides excellent shade and has a naturally graceful form that works well in both formal and informal landscapes. It blooms with small flowers in spring before the leaves emerge.
Growing Winged Elm
Grow Winged Elm in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 360 to 480 inches tall and spread 360 to 480 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Winged Elm takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
- Best suited for backyard or with special approval
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators. As a native elm, it serves as a host plant for various butterfly caterpillars and provides nesting sites for birds.
Common questions
- Where is Winged Elm native to?
- Winged Elm is native to 20 states across the southeastern and south-central United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
- When does Winged Elm bloom?
- Winged Elm produces flowers from March through May, blooming in early spring before the leaves fully emerge.
- What pollinators does Winged Elm support?
- Winged Elm attracts and supports butterflies as pollinators during its spring flowering period.
- What growing conditions does Winged Elm prefer?
- Winged Elm tolerates a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and prefers medium moisture levels, though it can adapt to drier conditions once established.
- Is Winged Elm toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Winged Elm as toxic to livestock.
- Is Winged Elm HOA-friendly?
- Winged Elm takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Winged Elm fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.