Tree of the Week: Winged Elm (Ulmus alata)

Nearing mid-February, most of the deciduous trees remain uncloaked. However, there are hints, or tiny specks, of spring all around. Pictured below, our tree of the week, the winged elm (Ulmus alata), possesses a certain shimmer when the rays of the winter sun hit its twigs.

Our tree of the week is pictured center. Its trunk is divided low, creating a vase shape. This winged elm grows in a sunny spot on the east side of Rotary Hall dormitory. During the summer, this grassy slope lacks regular irrigation; however, its proximity to the dormitory means that the roots of this elm might have access to a French drain. Its specific age is unknown.

Like the other winged elms in northwest Louisiana, our tree of the week shimmers in the sun.

Seemingly dormant from afar, we see that up close the twigs are very active. The shimmer, or glimmer, comes from the light hitting the reproductive growth of the winged elm.

Flowers of the winged elm are very small and appear in clusters. The developing fuzzy fruits become winged samaras.