What is a slippery elm tree?

A slippery elm is a fast-growing, deciduous tree with long, rough, dark-green leaves that is native to North America. It is also known as a red elm, gray elm or soft elm. The name slippery elm refers to the red, slippery inner bark of the tree.

Due to its rough texture and its susceptibility to elm disease, slippery elm is seldom used in landscaping. It has hard, heavy, strong and durable wood. Although slippery elm wood is considered inferior to American elm wood, slippery elm is used commercially for boxes, pallets, crates and furniture. Slippery elm is also used as a preferred firewood.