Slippery Elm
Ulmus rubra Muhl.
Orme rouge
General Information:
Scientific Name: Ulmus rubra Muhl.
Common Name(s): Slippery Elm, Red Elm
Family: Ulmaceae
Native Range: Eastern North America, from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
Canadian Plant Hardiness Zones: Hardy to Zones 3-9.
Size & Growth:
Typical Height: Up to 25 m high.
Maximum Recorded Height: 25 m.
Trunk Diameter (Average & Max): Up to 60 cm in diameter.
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast.
Typical Lifespan: 125 years.
Record Age: Up to 125 years.
Quick Recognition Features:
Notable Leaf, Bark, Cone, or Twig Features:
Leaf: 15-20 cm long, widest above the middle, tip elongated, base markedly oblique. The upper surface is dark green and rough, while the underside is paler and hairy. Leaves are fragrant, with about 15 veins per side, several of which are forked.
Buds: Approximately 6 mm long, rounded tip, dark brown with reddish-brown hairs, particularly at the tip. Flower buds are almost globular.
Twigs: Moderately stout, grayish-brown, with prominent lenticels and hair.
Bark: Brownish, shallowly furrowed with irregular vertical scaly ridges. The outer bark layers are uniformly brown, while the inner bark is fragrant and mucilaginous.
Reproduction & Life Cycle:
Seed Maturity: Seeds mature in late summer to fall, with winged fruits that are dispersed by wind.
Reproductive Cycle: Flowers appear in dense, tassel-like clusters (fascicles) on short stalks in spring.
Pollination Method: Wind-pollinated.
Seed Dispersal Mechanism: Wind dispersal of winged seeds.
Seed Dormancy Requirements: Seeds may require cold stratification to improve germination rates.
Environmental Preferences:
Soil Preferences: Prefers rich, moist soils, often along streams and adjacent slopes, but can also be found on rocky ridges.
Water Needs: Moist soils, typically near water sources.
Drought Tolerance: Moderate.
Flood Tolerance: Moderate.
Shade Tolerance: Moderate to high shade tolerance.
Root System Type: Shallow, wide-spreading root system.
Climate Adaptability: Prefers temperate climates and does best in areas with regular water availability.
Physical & Chemical Properties:
Wood Density: Moderately dense.
Strength Rating: Strong and durable wood.
Decay Resistance: Moderate resistance to decay.
Fire Resistance: Low to moderate fire resistance.
Fire Regeneration Ability: Does not regenerate well from fire but may recover from stress if conditions improve.
Ecological Role & Interactions:
Wildlife Value: The tree's leaves, bark, and seeds are important food sources for various wildlife species.
Companion Species: Typically found alongside species like sugar maple, black cherry, and red oak.
Invasive Status: Not invasive.
Threats: Though resistant to Dutch elm disease, it can be affected by other environmental factors and pests.
Human & Cultural Uses:
Traditional Uses: The mucilaginous inner bark has historically been used as a medicinal remedy for sore throats and coughs. The wood is durable and has been used for a variety of products, including furniture and tool handles.
Modern Uses: The inner bark continues to be valued for medicinal purposes, while the wood is used for similar purposes as in the past.
Symbolism/Mythology: Known for its medicinal properties, it has been traditionally used for treating various ailments in folk medicine.
Additional Notes & Fun Facts:
Wood Characteristics: The wood is strong and tough, but not as highly prized as some other elms for commercial use due to its irregular growth patterns.
Medicinal Uses: The mucilaginous inner bark is used in herbal remedies, notably for soothing coughs and throat irritations.
Habitat: Thrives in moist, rich soils along water sources. Often grows in floodplains and areas with ample sunlight.
Regeneration Challenges: Slippery Elm seedlings do well in full sunlight or light shade but have a relatively slow growth rate.
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