7o X alive Trees of Kentucky 



b. Slippery El in U I in us pubescent. 



The Slippery Elm is most abundant in the rich river valleys 

 of the State ; but is often found on sterile cliffs and limestone 

 ridges where it has great power of resisting drought. 



Unlike most timber, the sapwood, when properly dried, is as 

 durable as heart wood, so that very small trees can be used for 

 fence posts. The wood is used for furniture, wheel hubs and 

 most extensively employed in slack cooperage for staves and 

 hoops. 



The attractive outline, heavy foliage, and rapid growth of the 

 Slippery Elm make it a desirable tree for roadside planting. 



The mucilaginous inner bark, which gives the tree its common 

 name, is sweet, fragrant, and of medicinal value. 



Four points of difference between the Slippery and the ^ "hite 

 Elm are helpful in identification. 



Slippery Elm : 



1. Tree smaller. 



2. Bark tinged with red. 



3. Leaves larger and rougher; buds hairy. 



4. Fruit larger, ripening when leaves are half grown 



