Slippery Elm

Ulmus rubra
Ulmaceae
Ulmus rubra leaf JB
Ulmus rubra bark JB
Ulmus rubra form JB
Prefers uplands and mesic sites. Tolerates restricted root space. Attractive vase-shaped silhouette. Dutch elm disease is of high concern when considering planting this species, check for resistant varieties as available.

Summary

Climate Tolerance
Good
Wildlife Benefits
Seeds/buds food source to birds, small mammals; moth/butterfly host
Pollination Type
Wind
Plant Hardiness Zones
3 to 9
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
185
Bloom Time
Winter (Dec-Jan)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Full Sun to Part Shade: Receives 2 to 6 or more hours of direct sunlight
Maximum Height
Medium (40-75 ft)
Growth Rate
Rapid: 2 ft or greater per year
Soil Type
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist: Soil can remain damp and does not normally retain standing water
Root - Fungal Association
Arbuscular mycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on inside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
High; Dutch elm disease
Urban Stress Tolerance
High: Tree can adapt to a variety of urban conditions and will grow well
Drought Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
3
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Common
  • Oak Mixed: Rare
  • Alluvial: Abundant
  • Red Maple Mixed: Occasional
  • Ruderal: Rare
  • Urban Tree Cover: Common
Bloom Color
Brown
Green
Red
Yellow
Form
Tree
Lifespan
Long: Greater than 250 years
Soil pH
Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Wetland Indicator Status
FAC: Facultative, occurs in wetlands and non-wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed for increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Sensitive: Intolerant to either aerial salt spray and/or salt present in soil
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern

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