Ulmaceae

slippery elm

Ulmus fulva Michx.

Indigenous Names: p’etúŋtuŋpa, Taw-a Kaw-la Ta’a or Ta-a Ga’dal-a or Ga-dal-a Tee-aw-ya-da Kee-awdl-ya-eep-eep

Habitat: wetland; riparian; Native species to North Dakota south into Texas. Plants Parts Harvested: Inner bark; Native species to North Dakota south into Texas. Plants Parts Harvested: Not specified in the literature; Native species to North Dakota south into Texas. Plants Parts Harvested: Wood; Native species to North Dakota south into Texas. Plants Parts Harvested: Tree

Seasonality: Not given

Status: Native

Traditional Food Use

Lakota

The young leaves are edible when they are cooked and are very high in vitamins and minerals.

Kiowa

The fresh inner bark used to brew a "tea."

Medicinal Documentation

Lakota

They also make a nice tea that can be used to treat stomach aches. An infusion is also used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, and eczema. The whole plant is used to make a salve that is excellent in treating sciatica, eczema, and dandruff. The young leaves are made into a decoction that is taken internally to treat hives.

Kiowa

Fresh, inner bark used as a masticatory.

Botanical Reference

Parts Documented: leaf, stem, whole plant

Safety Notes: Tiny hairs cover the entire plant and, when touched, release a trio of chemicals that causes a burning rash, similar to poison ivy but much shorter in duration and very easy to relieve.

View on USDA Plants Database ↗