Elm: Bacterial wetwood (Slime flux)

Photo by: R.S. Byther

Use IPM (Integrated Pest Management) for successful plant problem management.

Biology
Wetwood or slime flux is a bacterial infection common in elm and poplar. The infection causes production of large amounts of moisture in the wood of trunks or large branches. The rancid-smelling, often brownish fluid seeps through the bark and is associated with discolored wood and streaks on the bark. Occasionally other symptoms including wilting, yellowing, and dieback may be associated with wetwood in elms. Typically, however, wetwood is primarily an aesthetic concern.

Management Options

Affected branches can be removed for aesthetic reasons. Cut back to clean, healthy wood.
Installing plastic drain tubes to allow the fluid to drip on the ground rather than down the bark may improve the appearance of affected trees.
Preventing injury to bark and wood may help prevent wetwood.

Hortsense web site created by Carrie Foss, Pesticide Education, and Art Antonelli, Extension Entomology, WSU Puyallup
Pesticide information review provided by Catherine Daniels, Washington State Pest Management Resource Service
Database programs developed for Hortsense by Kathleen Duncan, Computer Resources, WSU Pullman
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