#TreeTalkThursday - Slippery Elm

The Ulmus rubra a.k.a. the Slippery Elm.

This tree grows to a height of 50-80' and 1-2.5' in diameter. Its habitat is moist slopes, floodplains, or dry uplands in elevations of 3,000'. The leaves are very rough on the upper surface and the base of the leaf is less asymmetrical than the American Elm. They have coarsely double toothed margins, and the veins fork more than the American Elm as well. In early spring the dark reddish flowers can be seen on the tree in dense bundled clusters.

Fun Fact: I am sure you are wondering why it is called the Slippery Elm. That is because the inner bark of the tree exudes a mucilage or slick gel. This gel has been used to help coughs since it forms a soothing film over any membranes, relieving pain and inflammation. It is used today in vitamins and teas.