Slippery elm

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Ulmus rubra
SLIPPERY ELM

Ulmaceae
E. North America

Location: map coordinates S-20 (northeast side of Laws Hall), N 39°11'7'' W 75°32'37''

Planting history: planted 5/6/10. Source: Redbud Native Plant Nursery, PA. (Dr. S. Yost, USDA NIFA Capacity Building Grant funds).

Description:
  • medium-sized deciduous tree
  • etymology: Ulmus = the Latin name; rubra = red, referring to the reddish wood (another common name is “red elm”)
  • “slippery” in the common name refers to the mucilaginous inner bark; formerly used as a tea to treat sore throats, and wounds
  • leaf double-toothed, leaf base uneven
  • flowers inconspicuous
  • fruit small, roundish, dry, flat, papery-winged
  • habitat moist woods, streambanks, floodplains
  • rarely used as landscape tree; coarsely shaped, and susceptible to Dutch elm disease

Native species, State Rank S5 (very common in Delaware)

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