Search Results - Field Guide

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Photo of slippery elm leaves and twigs.
Elms
Ulmus spp.
Missouri has seven species of elms that grow in natural settings. Elms have tough, shock-resistant wood. In the past, some species were favorite shade trees, which is why so many towns have Elm Streets. But elms have suffered for a century from a devastating fungal disease.
Illustration of American elm leaves.
American Elm
Ulmus americana
Until Dutch elm disease came to America, the large, graceful American elm was widely planted along city streets and was beloved as the all-American shade tree. Now large specimens are rare, since the deadly fungus usually kills trees before they reach fine old ages.
Elm borer beetle resting on rocks in a flower planter
Elm Borer
Saperda tridentata
The elm borer is a longhorned beetle whose larvae bore galleries under the bark of elm trees. The orangish markings on the adults are distinctive.
Illustration of slippery elm twig and leaves.
Slippery Elm
Ulmus rubra
Found nearly statewide, slippery elm has fuzzy twigs and reddish hairy buds, which often attract attention in wintertime. Its inner bark is reddish and rather slimy, which gives this tree its name "slippery."