Description
This native elm is generally not used as a landscape tree because of its coarse texture and susceptibility to elm diseases.
Ulmus rubra, commonly called slippery elm, is a medium sized, coarse-textured, somewhat weedy, deciduous tree that typically grows to 40-60, (less frequently to 100, ) tall with a vase-shaped to broad-rounded crown.
It is distinguished by its downy twigs, red-hairy buds (particularly noticable in winter) and slimy red inner bark (rubra meaning red).Plant Specifications
*above specification are indicative only. actual dimensions may vary by +-10%
| Common Name | slippery elm |
| Maximum Reachable Height | 40.00 to 60.00 feet |
| Flower Colour | Reddish-green |
| Bloom Time | March to April |
| Difficulty Level | easy to grow |
Planting and care
Slippery Elm care
Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerant of light shade. Prefers rich, moist loams. Adapts to both wet and dry sites. Generally tolerant of urban conditions.
| Sunlight | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Watering | Medium |
| Soil | well-drained soil |
| Temperature | 4 to 21 C (40 to 70 F) |
| Fertilizer | Apply any organic fertilizer |
Slippery Elm special feature
Insect visitors include borers, leaf miner, beetles, mealy bugs, caterpillars and scale.
Slippery Elm uses
Ornamental Use:
- The plant is used for ornamental purpose
Medicinal Use:
- Slippery elm is a tree
- The inner bark (not the whole bark) is used as medicine
- People take slippery elm for coughs, sore throat, colic, diarrhea, constipation, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bladder and urinary tract infections, syphilis, herpes, and for expelling tapeworms