Ulmus Slippery

Red Elm, Gray Elm,soft Elm, Moose Elm

Slippery Elm develops a large, rising crown that may become oval or vase-shaped. Its broad green leaves have a rough surface and turn a subdued yellow before dropping in fall.

Small reddish-green flower clusters appear around late winter and spring, followed by flat, winged seeds. Birds and other wildlife use the tree for food and shelter, but the seed litter makes a naturalistic setting preferable to a position close to the house.

Allow generous space and use well-drained soil, ideally moist loam or clay loam, in sun or partial shade. Established trees tolerate dry periods. This species is susceptible to Dutch elm disease and should not be confused with resistant hybrid elms.

Size
• Height: 40–70 ft
• Width: 30–50 ft

Hardiness
• USDA Zones: 3a–9b

Best Uses
• Woodland Gardens
• Provide Shade

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Shade Tree

Height

40-70 ft

Width

30-50 ft

Hardiness zones

3a–9b

Sunlight

Full sun to part shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Late Winter, Spring

Flower color

Green, Red

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Fruit color

Brown

Attracts

Butterflies, Songbirds, Squirrels

Soil

Loamy, Moist well-drained, Tolerant of Clay

Landscape use

Provide Shade, Woodland Gardens

Shape

Oval, Upright, Vase Shaped

Bark

Rough

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

No

Deer resistant

No

Salt tolerant

No

Drought tolerant

Yes