Lacebark Elm

Lacebark Elm, Chinese Elm

Ulmus parviflora

Ulmaceae (Elm Family)

▲ mature tree

▲ leaves

▲ ▼ bark, showing lace-like, peeling pattern on older trunks

Location near campus: in median on West Grand, west of Grant St.

Ulmus parviflora: Chinese Elm, Lacebark Elm

• leaves deciduous, alternate, simple, ovate with serrate to crenate margins; small: 3/4-2.5" long and 2-2/3 as wide; dark green and shiny above, pubescent underneath when young; leaves often fall green from tree in late fall
• stems slender , gray brown and glabrous to slightly pubescent
• bark on older trees is mottled tan, brown, cream and orange - very attractive
• grows 40-50' tall and equally or more wide in spreading, rounded habit
• fruit is a round samara; fruits in fall, unlike other elms covered
• prefers full sun and moist, well-drained, fertile soil, but very soil tolerant
• medium growth rate
• resistant to Dutch Elm disease