This is a widespread southeastern tree, but with a relatively abrupt northern limit. In Ky. there are only a few records of alata from the Kentucky Rv. watershed or further north; unverified data of Gm and B are mapped here as open dots. The species is restricted to southern counties within Ill. and Ind., and unknown in Ohio or W.Va. [A similar limit occurs in Smilax bona-nox.] U. alata is distinctive in vegetative characters: its small, narrow-shaped leaves have little or no asymmetry at base and acute (non-acuminate) tapering at apex; vigorous 1-2 year old twigs develop broad corky wings, unlike any other American elms (but resembling Liquidambar).