How many types of elm trees are there in North America?
In North America, there are about 7 native elm species, all in the genus Ulmus. A few additional Asian and European elms have been introduced.
Native North American elm species
American elm, Slippery elm / Red elm, Rock elm / Cork elm, Winged elm, Cedar elm, September and, April elm.
Species from elsewhere
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Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) – invasive in some areas, English elm and Hybrid elms bred for Dutch elm disease resistance.
This quiver is one of many items that elm bark can be used to create. The durability is why the elm was a preferred tree to use to cover Haudenosaunee original dwellings, “the Longhouse”, which were framed with saplings then covered in bark sheets. The name Haudenosaunee actually means (people of the longhouse). Elm is so intwined with the culture it is even in the creation story placing it among the stars (pleides) to be precise and some believe it is a version of the celestial tree itself.
Other uses of elm are medicinal, used to help soothe sore throats, skin, and stomach issues, also as an aid in delivering babies. The early buds and leaves can be eaten. The bark can be made into eating utensils, trays and containers, baskets, quivers, canoes and our first type of rattles.