Red Elm

Red Elm, also know as Slippery Elm was the most abundant tree in Iowa before Dutch Elm disease. Even with the disease, Red Elm is still commonly found in Iowa’s forest and woodlands. The outer bark is moderately thick and gnarly but the inner bark has interesting properties. The inner bark was once widely used because of its soothing properties, as a remedy for sore throat, a wound dressing and as a poultice. The wood is reddish in color, hard, heavy and strong.