CHINESE ELM
Ulmus parvifolia
FAMILY Ulmaceae
SYNONYMS
ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES
LACEBARK ELM
CHINESE EVERGREEN ELM
See: all Ulmus
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by M. Ritter, J. Yost, W. Mark, J. Reimer, C. Stubler
GENERAL INFO
This tree features a graceful, arching canopy with small, leathery leaves that turn a striking golden yellow in the fall. Its bark is a standout, showcasing a patchwork of gray, orange, and brown that peels away in delicate flakes. The tree is highly adaptable and tolerant of urban conditions, making it a popular choice for city landscapes. It grows at a moderate rate and provides ample shade, creating a welcoming environment beneath its branches. Its resilience against pests and diseases adds to its appeal, ensuring long-lasting beauty and functionality in urban settings.
Native range: China, Japan, North Korea, and VietnamSchoolyard Use: This tree has small, serrated leaves that turn a vibrant yellow in the fall, making it ideal for lessons on seasonal changes and leaf identification. Its bark is mottled and exfoliates in patches, providing a tactile experience for students studying tree anatomy. The tree's resilience to various conditions can be used to discuss plant adaptation and urban forestry. Small, inconspicuous flowers appear in late summer, offering a subtle introduction to plant reproduction.
Native range: China, Japan, North Korea, and VietnamSchoolyard Use: This tree has small, serrated leaves that turn a vibrant yellow in the fall, making it ideal for lessons on seasonal changes and leaf identification. Its bark is mottled and exfoliates in patches, providing a tactile experience for students studying tree anatomy. The tree's resilience to various conditions can be used to discuss plant adaptation and urban forestry. Small, inconspicuous flowers appear in late summer, offering a subtle introduction to plant reproduction.
TREE CHARACTERISTICS
Tree Shape: RoundedMaximum Tree Height: 60 feetCanopy Width: 50-70 feetGrowth Rate: ~36 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Alternate, SimpleLeaf Shape: OvalLeaf color: Dark GreenFall Color: YesFlowers: InconspicuousFlower Type: Has either male or female reproductive parts (dioecious)Flower Time: Fall or SummerFruit: Small Brown or Mostly Green SamaraFruiting time: FallBark Color: Dark Gray, Light Gray, Orange, Red Brown or Multicolored, Exfoliating, Mottled, SmoothLitter Type: Dry Fruit
SITE CONDITIONS
Recommended Planting Area: Greater than 7'Schoolyard Trees: YesWater Use Rating: MediumSunset Climate Zone: 3 - 24Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9Soil Texture: Loam or Sand or ClaySoil pH: Very Acidic to Very AlkalineSalt Tolerance: ModerateWind Resistance: Lowest
CONSIDERATIONS
Branch Strength: Medium Weak to MediumRoot Damage Potential: ModeratePotential health issues: AllergyBiogenic Emissions: LowDisease and Pest susceptibility: Dutch Elm Disease, Armillaria, Phytophthora, Root Rot and Aphids, Beetle Borers, Beetle Leaves, Caterpillars, Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica)Utility Friendly: NoWCISA Appraisal: Suggested LCANT 24" box, Group 2, Approx. cross sectional area 2.24 sq. in.
External Resources
CITE THIS TREE
"SelecTree. UFEI. "Ulmus parvifolia Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal
Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on Apr 5, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/1443 >
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/1443 >
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