Family: Ulmaceae
Author: Muhl.
Bibliography: Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc. 3: 165 (1793)
Year: 1793
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Ulmus
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Slippery elm, scientifically known as Ulmus rubra, is a remarkable tree that belongs to the Ulmaceae family. This resilient species is indigenous to southeastern Canada as well as central and eastern regions of the United States.
Characterized by its rugged bark and broad leafy canopy, the slippery elm plays a vital role in its native ecosystems. The trees are most commonly found growing in rich, moist soils and can often be seen thriving along riverbanks and in lowland forests. Reaching heights between 40 and 60 feet, these majestic trees are recognized by their distinctive, rough-textured leaves that are famously slippery when touched—hence the common name.
The bark of Ulmus rubra holds significant medicinal value and has been used for centuries by Native American tribes for its healing properties. When the inner bark is stripped and mixed with water, it forms a mucilaginous substance that works wonders for soothing sore throats, relieving digestive issues, and healing wounds. Additionally, the inner bark is often dried and powdered for use in teas, poultices, and ointments.
Slippery elm is noted for its utility and versatility, contributing not only to medicinal practices but also to the maintenance of natural habitats. It provides essential food and shelter for a myriad of wildlife species. Despite its many benefits, the slippery elm faces various challenges, including susceptibility to diseases such as Dutch elm disease, which threatens its survival and propagation.
The distinguished history and utility of the Ulmus rubra make it a tree of great ecological and cultural significance. First cataloged in the early scientific literature by Muhl. in 1793, the scientific documentation of the slippery elm in “Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc. 3: 165” serves as a testament to the enduring interest and importance of this valuable species.
Common Names
Eng: red elm, slippery elm, gray elm, soft elm
Deu: rotulme
Fra: orme rouge, orme gras
Swe: rödalm
En: Slippery elm, Red elm, Gray Elm, Soft Elm
Ar: دردار أحمر
Nl: Rode iep
Fi: Punajalava
Fr: Orme rouge, Orme gras
De: Rotulme, Rot-Ulme
He: אולמוס רוברה
Ml: ആവില്
No: Rødalm
Fa: نارون قرمز
Pl: Wiąz czerwony
Pt: Ulmus
Sv: Rödalm
Tr: Kırmızı karaağaç
Uk: В’яз слизький
Synonyms
- Ulmus heyderi (Späth)
- Ulmus fulva (Michx.)
- Ulmus rubra f. laevis (F.Seym.)
- Ulmus americana var. rubra ((Muhl.) Aiton)
- Ulmus tridens (Dippel)
- Ulmus pinguis (Raf.)
- Ulmus triserrata (Dippel)
- Ulmus pendula (Willd.)
- Ulmus dimidiata (Raf.)
- Ulmus pubescens (Walter)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Sep 1, 2019 by Cindy Cindy (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 24, 2020 by Isaac Helmes (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2019 by Natures Guy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 1, 2019 by Cindy Cindy (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2022 by Ms.D Colbért (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Oct 12, 2013 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 9, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 26, 2020 by Füzy István (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Flower
Taken May 16, 2015 by EOL − Erika Mitchell (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 22, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Mar 14, 2016 by EOL − owenclarkin (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 14, 2016 by EOL − owenclarkin (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 6, 2016 by EOL − owenclarkin (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 5, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 7, 2016 by EOL − owenclarkin (cc-by-nc)
Fruit
Taken Aug 7, 2020 by Beat Saladin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 11, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 12, 2015 by EOL − Erika Mitchell (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 10, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 31, 2014 by EOL − srall (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5361867)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:306680-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ulmus rubra Muhl.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Stem
Growth habit>: Tree
Growth rate>: Rapid
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 5.0