Lacebark Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)

Location and Notable Facts

  • Other names
    •  Chinese Elm
  • Scientific Family
    • Ulmaceae (Elm Family)
  • Discovery
    •  Not available
  • Size (Width/Height/Growth/DBH)
    • 40 to 50 feet in height and 40 to 50 feet in width
  • Colors
    •  Dark green leaves in summer changing to yellow and reddish purple in fall

ulmus-parvifolia-leaves-and-fruitPhoto credit to the California Polytechnic State University

  • Bloom/Seed/Fruit
    • Bloom inconspicuous in late summer rather than spring
    • A flattened, winged samara, nearly round but notched at the top, 1/2 inch long, light reddish brown, occur in tight clusters in the fall. 

ulpa5257Photo credit to Oregon State University

  • Leaf Arrangement 
    •  Alternate simple with toothed leaf margins

ulmus-parvifolia-leaves-close-up-2Photo credit to the California Polytechnic State University

  • Bark Arrangement 
    • Thin bark with mottled appearance and bark peeling away

ulmus-parvifolia-barkPhoto credit to the California Polytechnic State University

  • Invasive/Non-invasive
    • Non-invasive in Arkansas. 
    • Considered invasive in some Eastern states.
  • Native/Non-native
    •  Non-native; native to China, Korea and Japan.
  • Pests/Disease
    •  Has good resistance to Dutch Elm disease
  • Comparisons to similar trees
    •  Similar to native elm with distinctive bark difference
  • Usefulness
    •  Ornamental for fall color and attractive bark.
  • Local Location / History:  
  • Located on Central Avenue along Bathhouse Row and on Convention Boulevard within 4x4x4 containers.

lacebark