Water
Water consistently to keep the soil moist but not saturated. Reduce watering in cooler months. Drought tolerance is moderate once established.
Also known as Gray Elm · Red Elm · Soft Elm
Ulmus rubra, commonly known as Slippery Elm, is a deciduous tree from eastern North America, recognized for its red-brown bark and mucilaginous inner bark.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers full sun to partial shade.
80% intensity
Best growth in ample sunlight.
Water regularly, keeping soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
70% intensity
Especially important during establishment and dry spells.
Adaptable to various soil types, but prefers moist, well-drained loams. Tolerates acidic to alkaline conditions.
50% intensity
Thrives in moderate temperatures.
60% intensity
Ideal growing range is 15-25°C.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.
40% intensity
Avoid over-fertilization.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water consistently to keep the soil moist but not saturated. Reduce watering in cooler months. Drought tolerance is moderate once established.
Prune in late winter or early spring while dormant to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Shape as needed for structure and health.
Best propagated from seed sown in autumn or stratified. Cuttings are difficult to root. Grafting is also an option for specific cultivars.
Not typically repotted as it is a large tree. For young specimens in containers, repot every 2-3 years in spring as needed.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)
Where Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Ulmaceae |
| Genus | Ulmus |
| Species | Ulmus rubra |
Similar in genus Ulmus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
