Slippery Elm
ExploreTrees
Slippery Elm
Ulmus rubra
The Slippery Elm is a unique tree with rough leaves and a slippery inner bark. It’s fun to learn about!
Habitat: Wooded areas and fields
Appearance
The Slippery Elm has rough, dark gray to reddish-brown bark with deep furrows. Its large, fuzzy, saw-toothed leaves are dark green and turn yellow in autumn. The tree often forms a broad, open crown.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyUlmaceaeGenusUlmus
Category
TreesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
2
Interesting facts
Its inner bark feels slimy when wet, giving the tree its 'slippery' name!
Native Americans made baskets and ropes from its tough bark.
Pioneers used its mucilage to help bind up broken bones!
The tiny seeds are surrounded by a paper-thin, circular wing.
Special abilities
Ability
Seed Spinner
It produces lightweight, winged seeds called samaras that help it spread far in the wind.
Ability
Adaptable Roots
Slippery Elm can grow in many soil types, helping it thrive in varied environments.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 12-25 m
- Canopy Spread
- 6-12 m
- Edible
- Yes
- Trunk Diameter
- 30-100 cm
- Lifespan
- 100-200 years
- Fruit Type
- Samara
- Growth Rate
- Medium
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
Ecological connections
eats
Elm Leaf Beetle
Xanthogaleruca luteola
Larvae and adults feed on leaves.
eaten by
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Deer browse on twigs and foliage.
eats
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
Squirrels gather and consume the seeds.
depends on
Cobweb Skipper
Hesperia metea
Larvae feed exclusively on elm leaves.
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Red Elm
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Slippery Elm?
The easiest way to identify Slippery Elm is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How tall is Slippery Elm?
12-25 m
How wide does Slippery Elm spread?
6-12 m
Is Slippery Elm edible?
Yes
How big is Slippery Elm?
30-100 cm
How long does Slippery Elm live?
100-200 years
Where is Slippery Elm usually found?
Wooded areas and fields
What kind of fruit does Slippery Elm produce?
Samara
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
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Recent Snaps
Where to spot
Park30 sightings12 species
Missouri, US
Buford Mountain Conservation Area
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Wisconsin, US
Namur Historic District
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Park108 sightings11 species
Massachusetts, US
Dugger Park
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