// SPECIES PROFILE · TREE · NATIVE

Slippery elm

Ulmus rubra

Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11b. Mature size 44'–110'. Blooms Jan–Apr.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: tree
Native range: Native to 38 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–11b
Mature size: 44'–110'
Sun: Part shade
Water: High · moisture-loving
Bloom: Jan–Apr
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) — *Ulmus rubra* — Slippery elm. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) Zihao Wang, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Zihao Wang.

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11b. Mature size 44'–110'. Blooms Jan–Apr.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, slippery elm pairs naturally with: Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides), Eastern Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana).