Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)
Identifying Features
Plant Family: Ulmaceae
Native Range: Northeastern Asia
Leaf: deciduous, alternate, simple, finely toothed, 1-2 inches long
Twig and Bud: twigs slender, buds small, 1/10 to 1/8 inch long
Flower, Fruit and Seed: red/green, inconspicuous flowers appear in late summer, fruit are papery, winged samaras which develop in fall and transition from green to tan/brown
Bark: exfoliating and mottled, displaying shades of brown, orange, cream, gray and green
Shape and Mature Height: rounded crown, branches may be pendulous, 40-50 feet at maturity
Garden Value and Considerations
Also called lacebark elm, Chinese elm is noted for its ornamental bark and foliage. Chinese elm grows in full sun to part shade and can tolerate a variety of soil types and moisture levels. It can grow in high traffic and confined spaces, making it a good specimen for parks, parking lots or near sidewalks. Chinese elm shows resistance to Dutch elm disease, a fungal disease that is often fatal to elms native to North America.
Notes
Despite having inconspicuous, wind-pollinated flowers, Chinese elm trees buzz with pollen collecting bees when in bloom. The seeds provide food to birds.