Due to susceptibility to Dutch elm disease (DED), slippery elm is not recommended for planting anywhere in this region and usually require removal and/or replacement.
This species is native to the Chicago Region according to Swink and Wilhelm’s Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research.
- Family (English) Elm
- Family (botanic) Ulmaceae
- Tree or plant type Tree
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Chicago area, Illinois, North America
- Size range Large tree (more than 40 feet)
- Mature height 40-60 feet
- Mature width 30-50 feet
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
- Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
- Tolerances Alkaline soil, Clay soil, Dry sites, Road salt, Wet sites
- Season of interest mid fall
- Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
- Shape or form Vase-shaped
- Growth rate Fast
- Transplants well No
- Wildlife Browsers, Migrant birds, Small mammals, Songbirds
- Has cultivars No