Advanced Search Filters

Plant Type
Hardiness Zone
Heat Zone
Sunset Zone
Function
Sun Exposure
Soil Moisture
Water Requirement

Ulmus parvifolia

Image of Ulmus parvifolia

Jessie Keith

Family

Ulmaceae

Botanical Name

Ulmus parvifolia

Plant Common Name

Chinese Elm, Lacebark Elm

General Description

One of the most outstanding medium-sized trees for the landscape, this variable and disease-resistant East Asian elm bears small, glossy, deciduous or semi-evergreen leaves, which in forms such as 'Burgundy' and 'Pathfinder' turn a good red in fall. Many selections ('Hallelujah' and 'Dynasty' among them) have handsome exfoliating bark mottled with patches of orange, tan, gray, and other contrasting colors. Several dwarf cultivars (including 'Frosty', 'Geisha', and 'Catlin') are also available, characterized by tiny, often white-edged leaves and shrubby growth. Evergreen lacebark elms (such as 'Drake' and 'True Green') make excellent trees for California and other mild-winter regions, often holding their leaves all winter. Cold hardiness of this elm varies widely, with the hardiest tolerating severe winters (such as in the central United States). The flowers and winged seeds appear in late summer and autumn and are ornamentally insignificant.

Plant this all-season beauty in full sun in well-drained, humus-rich soil. It tolerates alkaline soil and occasional drought. In its hardiest forms it can weather USDA Zone 4/5 borderline temperatures. Do not confuse Chinese elm with the more cold-hardy Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila). Semi-evergreen selections are usually somewhat cold-tender. Give it a prominent location where its striking bark and other features can make their full ornamental impact. Dwarf forms are ideal for containers and bonsai.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tree

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    15'-70' / 4.6m - 21.3m

  • Width

    10'-60' / 3.0m - 18.3m

  • Bloom Time

    Fall

  • Native To

    Eastern Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    Red

  • Fruit Color

    Tan, Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Yellow, Red, Green

  • Bark Color

    Orange, Tan, Brown, Ivory, Gray

  • Bark Color Modifier

    Multi-Color

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Semi-Evergreen

  • Showy Bark

    Yes

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Exfoliating

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Shade Trees, Street Trees, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes