Chinese Elm

About this plant

Ulmus parvifolia, commonly known as Chinese Elm, is a highly valued deciduous tree native to East Asia, prized for its graceful, vase-shaped form and distinctive exfoliating bark that peels away to reveal a mottled mix of gray, green, orange, and brown tones. This species is renowned for its fine-textured, small serrated leaves that turn a rich golden or reddish-purple in fall, adding seasonal interest to landscapes. Chinese Elm is remarkably adaptable, thriving in a variety of soil types and climates, and is notably resistant to Dutch elm disease, which has devastated many other elm species, making it a reliable choice for urban and suburban settings. Historically, it has been used both as a street tree and in bonsai culture due to its attractive form and ease of pruning. Its versatility, disease resistance, and ornamental bark have earned it recognition in horticultural circles, and it

Plant details

Mature height

50 ft.

Mature width

50 ft.

Growth rate

Moderate

USDA zones

5-9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Water needs

High

Soil

Clay, Loamy, Sandy, Well Drained

Spacing

20 ft.

Bloom season

Early Fall (September)