Chinese Elm
Ulmus parvifolia · Deciduous to Semi-Evergreen Broadleaf
Plant Family
Ulmaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Ornamental, Street Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Species (likely 'Drake' or 'Bosque' common in landscapes)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-9; highly adaptable to heat and moderate cold.
About This Tree
A graceful, medium-sized tree known for its rounded or spreading crown and fine-textured foliage. It features a weeping habit in some cultivars and is highly prized for its exfoliating 'lace-bark' appearance. It has a moderate to fast growth rate and excels in urban environments.
Leaf Characteristics
Small, 1-2 inches long, elliptical to ovate with an asymmetrical base. Leaves are shiny dark green, leathery, and have simple-serrated margins. Arrangement is alternate. Fall color varies from yellow to reddish-purple.
Bark Characteristics
Highly ornamental 'lace-bark'. As the tree matures, the grey bark exfoliates to reveal patches of orange, tan, and creamy green underneath, creating a jigsaw-like pattern.
Growing Information
Origin Region
East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam)
Growing Season
Leaves emerge in spring; flowers appear in late summer or autumn (distinct from other elms); enters dormancy in late autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade. Prefers moist, well-drained soil but is highly adaptable to various soil types and pH levels. Once established, it is notably drought-tolerant.
Mature Size
40-50 feet tall and wide at maturity, often spreading as wide as it is tall; growth rate is approximately 12-24 inches per year.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional resistance to Dutch Elm Disease (DED). Highly tolerant of urban pollution, salt, and restricted root zones, making it an ideal street tree. Provide excellent fall interest via bark and foliage.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting sites for songbirds. The small samaras (winged seeds) provide food for birds and small mammals. It serves as a larval host for various butterfly species, including the Question Mark and Comma butterflies.