slippery elm
Ulmus rubra
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size40 to 60 feet tall30 to 50 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Bloom season
- Spring, winter
- Bloom color
- Reddish-green
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Alkaline (pH>7.2)
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) is a tree for shade gardens, winter interest, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. The inner bark is slippery and gluelike when you chew a twig, which helps you identify it. Large brown buds are covered with rust-colored hairs. It is susceptible to Dutch elm disease, so watch for signs of decline.
Pairs well with Kentucky coffeetree, Northern bayberry, Royal fern, and Sedge.
Native range
Central and southern United States.