3 Native Elm Trees In Wisconsin (All You Need To Know)
Wisconsin’s scenic beauty was once defined by the majestic elm trees that graced its landscape. These towering giants, native to the area, were a common sight for both residents and visitors. The Dutch elm fungus disease, however, dealt a devastating blow to these native varieties, wiping out a vast majority of them.
Despite this ecological setback, it is critical to recognize the importance of native trees. While the state now has several non-native hybrid Elm species, it is critical to preserve and appreciate the indigenous varieties.
In this article, we will look at three native elm trees in Wisconsin. Although they are not as common as the new disease-resistant cultivars, these remarkable trees can still be found throughout the state.
Let’s begin.
1. Rock Elm
- Common Name: Rock Elm
- Scientific Name: Ulmus thomasii
- Mature Height: 80 to 100 feet
- Native/Non-Native: Native
- Flowers/Cones: Samaras
- Uses: Agriculture implements, sills, ties, hockey sticks, and furniture
Among the native elm trees in Wisconsin, Rock Elm, scientifically known as Ulmus thomasii, is the tallest variety that may grow up to 100 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet in diameter. It rarely forks and has a straight central trunk, generating a small, rounded crown with long, beautiful branches.
The Rock Elm’s leaves have alternating, double-toothed edges. They are similar to American elms, but more regular in shape, smaller, smoother on both sides, and leathery. The Rock Elm’s fruit is a samara, which is oblong and flattened and measures about 1 1/2 inches long. It has one seed and is slightly notched on the outside. Samaras ripen in the early summer.
The bark of the Rock Elm is ash-gray and about 1 inch thick. Deep, irregular fissures with corky ridges or wings that grow on the bark of the twigs divide it into broad, flat ridges.
The Rock Elm grows best in Wisconsin on the well-drained soils of Langlade and Shawano counties, although it can be found all around the state on a variety of soils. The Rock Elm’s wood is close-grained, compact, and sturdy. It has a light reddish-brown color with thick, light sapwood and is often used for farm equipment, sills, ties, hockey sticks, and furniture.
It should be noted that the Rock Elm is sensitive to Dutch Elm disease, which can be devastating. As a result, appropriate tree care and upkeep are essential to preventing illness.
2. American Elm
- Common Name: American Elm
- Scientific Name: Ulmus americana
- Mature Height: 80 to 90 feet
- Native/Non-Native: Native
- Flowers/Cones: Samara fruit
- Uses: Furniture, veneer for baskets and crates
American elms are the most commonly found elm trees in Wisconsin. It is a majestic tree that can grow to be 80 to 90 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet in diameter. The primary stem frequently divides into numerous huge branches, forming a crown with pendulous branches, giving it a vase-shaped, broadly rounded appearance.
This tree is found in several states, primarily on lush bottomlands and low, damp hills, and is frequently combined with other hardwoods.
The bark of the American Elm is thick and uneven, with broad, flat ridges of ash-gray to grayish-brown color.
This tree’s leaves are alternating, approximately six inches long, and very thick, rather one-sided, with a doubly serrated border. The veins are prominent and run in parallel lines from the midrib to the leaf’s edge. The top surface is rough, whereas the bottom surface is smooth.
American Elm produces a samara fruit, which is the tree’s seed, in the spring. The fruit seems winged, light green, round, and wafer-like. The seed section is in the center and surrounded by wings, the outside end of each wing being deeply notched. The wind scatters these seeds, which dangle in bunches.
American Elm wood is light brown in color, heavy, robust, sturdy, rough, and difficult to split, making it perfect for furniture and veneer for baskets and crates. It’s worth noting that American Elm is extremely sensitive to Dutch elm disease; nevertheless, a few resistant hybrids have been created.
3. Slippery Elm
- Common Name: Slippery Elm or Red Elm
- Scientific Name: Ulmus rubra
- Mature Height: 50 to 70 feet
- Native/Non-Native: Native
- Flowers/Cones: Fruit – samara
- Uses: Wood for fence posts, ties, and agricultural implements; inner bark for medicinal purposes
Shortest among native elm trees in Wisconsin, the Slippery Elm, sometimes known as the Red Elm, can reach heights of up to 70 feet and form a broad, flat-topped crown with its branches. The tree’s bark is thick and dark greenish-brown, which protects it. Winter buds have dark, silky hairs that are velvety to the touch.
Slippery Elm leaves are 4 to 6 inches long, oval, and sharp-pointed. The leaf’s base is asymmetrical, and the margin is double-toothed. On both sides, the leaves are thick, dark green, and tough, and they turn yellow before falling.
The tree’s fruit is a samara, which has a broad greenish wing and ripens when the leaves are roughly half-grown.
Slippery Elm is widespread across the state, but is uncommon in the north, and is typically found on stream banks and rich hillsides. The tree’s wood is dark brown with light sapwood, close-grained, rough, robust, hefty, hard, and reasonably durable.
It is extensively utilized in the manufacture of fence posts, ties, and agricultural implements. The inner bark of the trunk and branches was originally utilized for medical purposes because when chewed, it becomes mucilaginous and slippery.
Common Elm Trees In Wisconsin – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section answers some of the most commonly asked questions about native elm trees in Wisconsin.
Are there elm trees in Wisconsin?
Despite widespread Dutch elm disease attacks, there are still many elm trees in Wisconsin. The most commonly seen trees are American Elm, Rock Elm, Slippery Elm, and Siberian Elm. Out of these, only Siberian elm is nonnative and all other three species are native varieties.
American Elm accounts for 82% of all elm trees in Wisconsin, followed by 16% Slippery Elm, 2% Siberian Elm, and 1% Rock Elm. The rock elm is the most susceptible to Dutch elm disease.
Where are the most elm trees in Wisconsin?
The majority of elm trees in Wisconsin can be found in the southern region, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the total volume. Another 14% of the elms are found in the state’s central region.
The American elm dominates among these elms, accounting for 82% of the population. Slippery elm accounts for 16%, Siberian elm accounts for 2%, and rock elm accounts for less than 1%. The primary habitat for American and slippery elm is the oak-hickory forest type, with some presence in bottomland hardwoods. Rock elm, on the other hand, is mostly found in the maple-basswood forest type.
What are the uses of elm trees in Wisconsin?
Elm trees in Wisconsin have been used for a variety of purposes, meeting a variety of needs. Although they are not used in the timber industry, their strength, durability, and appealing grain patterns make them suitable. It has long been used in the manufacture of furniture, cabinets, flooring, and interior trim.
Elm trees are also popular for urban landscaping because of their ornamental beauty and ability to provide shade. These majestic trees can be found in parks, residential yards, and urban areas, where they enhance the aesthetic appeal of the surroundings while providing shade.
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Sources
The Regional Gardening team makes sure that the information in our articles is accurate by only using sources that are known to be trustworthy. Some of these sources are peer-reviewed journals from government agencies, well-known universities, and scientific research organizations.
- Trees Of Ohio, Division Of Wildlife
- Trees Of Ohio Field Guide, Book by Stan Tekiela
- Ohio Trees, OSU Extension Publications
- Native Plant Lists, Ohio Department Of Natural Resources
- Ohio Department Of Agriculture
- Gardening, The Ohio State University
