Form: This tree is small to medium in size and has spreading branches with a rounded crown.

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: alternate; simple

Shape: elliptical to ovate-lanceolate

Margin: doubly serrate

Texture: scabrous to glabrous above; pubescent below

Venation: parallel

Bark: The bark is thick, gray in color and has deeps furrows separated by interlaced ridges.

Twigs and buds: The twigs are winged and slender. They are also glabrous and zigzagging.

Flowers and fruit: The flowers appear in clusters and are small and reed in color. The fruit is a flat samara.

Distinguishing characteristics: The fruit is a flat samara, the twig is winged and the tree is small to medium in size.

Range: The species occurs from southern Virginia to southern Missouri and south to eastern Texas and east to the Atlantic Coast.

Silvics: This species has an intermediate tolerance and occurs in moist to dry uplands.

Ecological and cultural importance: The tree is used as a shade tree and is also susceptible to dutch elm disease.