What, pray tell, is this little rascal? More pics... (Solved as Winged Elm)

[WDH]

Of course, there are a couple within the knowledge base here who could shine their true diligence in such undertaking, by presenting a closer encounter.   

REPORT FROM THE FIELD:

A closer encounter occurred .  With the permission of Tcsmpsi, dutiful tree parent, this observer surreptitiously observed subject specimen at very close and intimate quarters .

 

Unequalateral bases were present, and the diagnosis of elm was confirmed.  Subject specimen, much to my chagrin  , while proving to be an elm, did not display appropriate demeanor to confirm the suspicions of either winged  elm or cedar elm.  After a little head scratching  , this observer carefully observed said branching and could not find conclusive evidence of tell-tale wings, a point previously made by said tree parent and curator.  There were some bumping looking, almost hackberry like protrubrances, but very few in number.  The branches were alarming smooth.  Also, said leaves were not thick and leathery enough to point to the dastardly cedar elm, pith Allum as I learned a number of years ago in Paris, Texas.  The real kicker was the the leaves, on their upper sides, were as smooth as a baby's-bottom.  Soft and shiny, like said urator said . 

After much deliberation, said observer came to the conclusion that he was observing American Elm, Ulmus americana, totally blowing out of the water his previous assessment of cedar elm .

[Texas Ranger]

Nope, with the new photo evidence, gonna change my mind, water elm, leaf is coarsely dentate, American elm has "frilly" dentate.  Water elm has slimmer leaves than American, and in 40 years have found only one genuine American elm in Texas (of course, disclaimer, never look for them much, either)

Yup, Planera aquatica.

Did ya get wet, Dan?

[WDH]

Kevjay, well, I had a fine breakfast with the Texas Ranger.  Then paid a short visit to the philosophical Tcsmpsi where we discussed weighty matters.  Then, with the best intentions of mice and men, I struck out for the wet, hot, humid, tick infested, snake infested, spider infested, and much muddy East Texas thickets.  But alas, a saving phone call arrived in the nick of time with a bureaucratical nightmare that needed corporate attention and my able assistance.  Spent most of the day at the computer problem solving.  Saved from the heat, rain, heat, and rain.  In that order.  Oh well, tomorrow is another day .

TR, posted on Georgia Florida Rain thread. 

[SwampDonkey]

Bark on trunk and branches are too smooth for American elm. Even a young American elm starts getting flaky bark after about 1 inch diameter. But, it surely is an elm of some sort.

[WDH]

After sleeping on it, I have concluded that several things about this tree don't look right.  It seems like it is a cross between several species.  It looks more like winged, but acts like american elm.  It is not cedar elm or water elm.  It is not slippery elm.

I guess I will have to call it American Wingless Winged Texas Elm (Ulmus alata var. americana var. tcsmpsia). 

Sometimes things don't fall neatly into our pigeon holes.  Put a gun to my head and tell me I have one chance to get it right....I am calling it a non typical winged elm with american elm tendencies .

[tcsmpsi]

As you see, in the upper left quadrant of your first photo, WDH, my previous assessment of our good fortune not to be inundated with the worm, as is becoming prolific in the area, may have been a bit premature.   I thought I may should have kept my mouth shut.    

WDH, recognition of my being remiss in my introductions when ol' Red came in.  Hadn't seen him in some years, and was a bit preoccupied in determining the scope of the weight he seemed to be bearing.

I thought those strange buggy tracks in the drive might be yours.  

So, DL, with new field evidence available, do you still hold to your previous, well articulated assessment of a transitional winged elm?

Thusfar, it would seem that we have an American Red Maple Winged Water Elm.
With perhaps a Cannabaceae ancestral influence.  
                                
                                                            
  ****                                                
    Well, WDH, seems we rounded this corner 'bout the same time. 

[TexasTimbers]

. . . . . Then paid a short visit to the philosophical Tcsmpsi where we discussed weighty matters. . . . .

I just can't imagine that.

[tcsmpsi]

. . . . . Then paid a short visit to the philosophical Tcsmpsi where we discussed weighty matters. . . . .

I just can't imagine that.

Well now, kev, I just can't imagine why you can't imagine that.   

[WDH]

See, I told you he was philosophical .

[Texas Ranger]

Danny, you sure you aint a Texan?

[WDH]

I think that I might be becoming naturalized .

[tcsmpsi]

I think that I might be becoming naturalized .

I would thoughtfully confirm that analysis.   

Ahhhh...hear it?   That rolling thunder coming in announcing yet another darkened day of earth washing.
 
Ahhh yes...getting louder and darker, now.  Soon....we'll be blessed with a little rain. 

What do you think?  Has this little rascal been 'solved'?

[WDH]

Yes, it has been solved in my opinion.  I have done some additional research (the field type), and I have found additional winged elm with very smooth leaves in that part of the country.  Usually the upper sides are scabrous, but not always.  I am confident it is Ulmus alata.

[Dodgy Loner]

I can see why there was some confusion when you went to see the tree - the leaves you posted look too fat to be winged elm, but to short to be American elm.  I'm going to stick with my original assesment of winged elm, though.  Just an odd little specimen from the western end of its range .  I'd say that this little rascal has been solved.

[tcsmpsi]

Ahhhh....the ulmas alata alma mater.   

Kind of a shame though...that American Wingless Winged Texas Elm had kind of a ring to it.   

[WDH]

You just liked the tcsmpsia part .