Slippery Elm
Ulmus rubra
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Description
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to eastern North America, playing a crucial role in agroecology and regenerative agriculture. It serves as a mid-canopy layer in food forests, providing habitat and food for wildlife, and contributes to soil stabilization and erosion control. Its rough, reddish-brown bark and broad, serrated leaves are distinctive features. Historically, the inner bark has been used by Indigenous peoples for its mucilaginous properties, soothing sore throats and digestive issues. Slippery Elm thrives in a variety of soil types, from loamy to clay, and is drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for ecological restoration projects. Its early spring flowers offer a vital nectar source for pollinators, supporting biodiversity. In guilds, it pairs well with nitrogen-fixing plants like clover and supports understory shrubs such as elderberry.
Growing Details
Slippery Elm prefers well-drained, loamy soils but can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay. It requires full sun to partial shade and is moderately drought-tolerant once established. Propagation is typically done through seeds, which should be sown in the spring. Mulching with organic matter such as leaf litter or straw helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Companion planting with nitrogen-fixing plants like clover can enhance soil fertility. Common mistakes include overwater
Tags
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Fire Wood
Building Wood
Windbreak
Erosion Preventing
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Tea
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Ulmus rubra</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Eastern North America
applicable geo region: North America
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of March for 30 days
Harvest:
beginning
of May for 30 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(3/5)
edible uses: The inner bark of Slippery Elm can be dried and powdered to create a nutritious gruel or tea, known for its soothing properties. It can also be used as a thickening agent in soups and stews. Harvesting should be done sustainably, taking care not to harm the tree's health.
Medicinal Rating:
(5/5)
medicinal uses: Slippery Elm is renowned for its medicinal uses, particularly its inner bark, which is used to treat sore throats, coughs, and digestive issues. It is also applied in poultices for wounds and skin conditions due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Caution is advised to ensure sustainable harvesting practices.
health concerns: Ensure sustainable harvesting of the inner bark to prevent damage to the tree.
other uses: The wood of Slippery Elm is valued for making furniture and tools due to its strength and flexibility. The tree also provides fiber for making ropes.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Ulmus rubra</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Ulmus rubra
common names: Slippery Elm; Red Elm; Gray Elm
family: Ulmaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Ulmus
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.0 m
spacing: 6.0 m
growing difficulty: Medium
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:
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(4/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 200 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 20.0 m
max width: 15.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Slippery Elm prefers well-drained, loamy soils but can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay. It requires full sun to partial shade and is moderately drought-tolerant once established. Propagation is typically done through seeds, which should be sown in the spring. Mulching with organic matter such as leaf litter or straw helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Companion planting with nitrogen-fixing plants like clover can enhance soil fertility. Common mistakes include overwater
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include elm leaf beetles and bark beetles. Natural pest management strategies include introducing beneficial insects such as lacewings and ladybugs to control beetle populations. Companion planting with garlic or marigolds can help repel pests. Dutch elm disease is a serious threat; maintaining tree health through proper care and sanitation can reduce risk.
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