Slippery Elm
ExploreTree
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
TreeRarity
Common
Danger
1/5
Snaps
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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
- Is 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
Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!
Shade Tolerant
Discover plants that love to live in the shadows, growing beautifully and happily even in spots where the sun doesn't shine all day long.
Broadleaf Tree
Discover magnificent trees that have wide, flat leaves, unlike the needles of pine trees! These are often the trees that change colors beautifully in autumn.
Medicinal
Discover special plants that people have used for centuries to help them feel better or stay healthy, often found in nature's own medicine cabinet.
Rapid Growing
Watch these energetic plants grow super fast, quickly transforming spaces and adding lush greenery in a blink of an eye!
Forest
These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.
Also known as
Red Elm
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5
Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
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
How fast does Slippery Elm grow?
Medium
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