Photo of Ulmus parvifolia foliage by Bri Weldon

Photo by Bri Weldon

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons 2.0 Generic license.

Show all photos

Ulmus parvifolia

Also Known As

  • Ulmus parviflora
  • Chinese Elm
  • Lace Bark Elm

Plant type

tree

size

  • H: 40'-50'
  • W: 40'-50'

planting zones

  • 4b-9b

More Options

Ulmus parvifolia plant details

Ulmus parvifolia is a broadleaf semi-evergreen tree with green foliage. In fall and summer red flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and even moisture water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in lean and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and pollution tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ulmus parvifolia

Plant type: tree
Plant family: ulmaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 40 FT - 50 FT - wide, 40 FT - 50 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in fall and summer
Uses: bonsai, distinctive bark

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ulmus parvifolia

USDA Zones: 4b - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: heat and pollution
Soil needs: lean and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This attractive tree is often called the lacebark elm. It is a 40-60' deciduous tree with a rounded crown and long pendent branches. Native to eastern Asia, it is grown for its graceful foliage, multi-colored bark, fast growth rate and good resistance to Dutch elm disease and beetles. Fall brings papery, winged-seeds which are rather handsome. The most decorative feature of this tree is its distinctive blotchy bark, on mature specimens, the bark flakes to reveal patches of pewter, ivory, orange, tan and green. This tree is nice as a focal point, shade tree or planted as a grove. S/M
Medium size, broad-headed shade tree 40-50 feet tall with graceful arching branches and a rounded crown and long pendulous branches. Noted for it's foliage and bark: finely toothed, small, green leaves and mottled, flaking bark which is highly ornamental. The bark of mature trees flake to reveal patches of gray, cream,, orange, brown and green. A good drought tolerant shade tree for the south. Full sun only, please. Tiny red flowers Aug.-Sept. Good resistance to Dutch elm disease, Japanese beetle and elm leaf beetle. Do not confuse with Siberian elm (incorrectly called Chinese elm) or Ulmus pumila and embrace Botanical nomenclature! It's much more accurate!

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

This fine elm is great for bonsai. Yes, you can use it as a tree, but it excels as a small container plant, and we usually use these plants for that purpose.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Chinese Elm is an attractive evergreen tree that can take about anything, from cold to -25 °F to extreme heat. In very cold weather, its leaves drop—I collected seed from one that nice and green in December while others around it had dropped leaves. Will it be more evergreen? Grow it and find out!

Gardening facts about Ulmus parvifolia plant

How to Grow Ulmus parvifolia

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • lean
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • pollution tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • red
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2024 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved