-->

Slippery Elm Buds


-->

Slippery Elm Buds. Found nearly statewide, slippery elm has fuzzy twigs and reddish hairy buds, which often attract attention in wintertime. Small, light green, in tight clusters of 3 to 5, appearing in early spring before leaves open.

Slippery Elm buds (Ulmus rubra) at Carderock (Audubon Natu… Flickr
Slippery Elm buds (Ulmus rubra) at Carderock (Audubon Natu… Flickr from www.flickr.com

The floral buds (already beginning to swell) occur at the base of the previous season's twig growth, while the vegetative buds remain dormant for a longer period and are at the top of the twig. The greenish red flowers of slippery elm are unisexual or perfect (usually the latter); The slippery mucilage exuded by the inner bark of this elm is soothing for sore throats and other imflammation when chewed or brewed into a tea.

-->

Slippery Elm buds (Ulmus rubra) at Carderock (Audubon Natu… Flickr

Lateral buds 1/4 inch long, dark chestnut brown in color, covered at tip with long, rusty hairs. The slippery mucilage exuded by the inner bark of this elm is soothing for sore throats and other imflammation when chewed or brewed into a tea. Small, light green, in tight clusters of 3 to 5, appearing in early spring before leaves open. The greenish red flowers of slippery elm are unisexual or perfect (usually the latter);

-->