Classification

• Ulmus rubra is the scientific name for the slippery elm tree. Slippery elm is a member of the Ulmaceae family of plants, and it also goes by the common names of red elm, sweet elm, winged elm, moose elm and Indian elm. This type of elm is a member of the Ulmus genus, which contains 14 species of plants. Slippery elms can grow as old as 200 years. These trees are native to America. They reach an average height over 50 feet at maturity.
  
  

Leaf Formation

• Slippery elm trees have irregular branches that form an open crown. The leaves grow on gray twigs that grow at upward angles from the main trunk. These leaves on slippery elms grow alternately along the sides of the fragrant branches and are slightly larger than leaves on American elms, reaching an average length of about 5 to 7 inches. These trees produce tiny green flowers in the early spring, shortly before the leaf buds begin to open.
  
  

Shape

• The leaves on slippery elm trees attach to the branches with short stems that connect to the broad ends at the bases of the leaves. They have an oblong shape that tapers to a fine, elongated point. These leaves have sharply pointed ridges around their circumference. Slippery elm leaves are rougher and hairier than American elm leaves. The undersides of the leaves are lighter and duller in appearance and have long, prominent veins.
  
  

Color

• Slippery elm leaves are light to medium green on the top surface and slightly grayish-green on the undersides. The leaves on American elms tend to be slightly deeper green and smoother than the leaves on slippery elm trees.