Slippery Elm Tree (tall tree tube)

Description

Unfortunately this native medicinal tree has become quite endangered due to both irresponsible harvesting and to diseases. These are very hard trees to find!

I am hoping that these youngsters will have evolved immune systems and will thrive – especially since slippery elm bark is such an important medicinal herb!

Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerant of light shade. Prefers rich, moist loams. Adapts to both wet and dry sites. Generally tolerant of urban conditions.

Medium sized, coarse-textured, typically grows to 40-60’ (less frequently to 100’) tall with a vase-shaped to broad-rounded crown. It is distinguished by its downy twigs, red-hairy buds (particularly noticable in winter) and slimy red inner bark (rubra meaning red). It is native to southern Ontario and to the eastern and central U.S.