Winged Elm – Identification

Q: We have an oak that’s 20′ to 25′ feet tall which has a strange growth on the bark. Do you know what this is and whether anything needs to be done?

A: A case of mistaken identity! I think you have a winged elm, Ulmus alata, not an oak.

The corky “wings” along limbs give it an obvious name. It will make a fine shade tree in your landscape!