Slippery Elm

Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) is a deciduous tree native to the eastern United States and Canada, found in habitats ranging from Iowa to Quebec. Known both for its edible and medicinal properties, this plant has a wide distribution across states like Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Kentucky, and Delaware. Its inner bark, leaves, and fruit are all edible, though it is particularly noted for traditional use of the slippery elm bark to soothe irritated gut linings. This tree thrives in moist conditions with light to partial shade, preferring soil types from sandy to clay, with a pH range of 5 to 7.5. It can grow up to 20 meters tall and is hardy in zones 3-7. Its distinctive feature lies in the "slippery" nature of its inner bark, which makes it easy to digest and has long been used for digestive issues.