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LACEBARK ELM
Ulmus parvifolia
(ULM-us par-vee-FOH-lee-uh)
Chinese Elm, Chinese Lacebark Elm
| Family |
Ulmaceae |
| Description |
A graceful shade tree of fine texture, its ornamental value is its lacypatterned exfoliating bark and arching branch structure |
| Plant habit |
Medium shade tree |
| Landscape use |
Plant as a specimen or in a group
Scaled to fit most residential structures |
| Average mature size |
30’ tall x 40’ wide |
| Growth rate |
Fast; young trees may require staking
Relatively long lived |
| Sun exposure |
Sun, part sun/shade |
| Soil requirements |
Easy to grow in most soil conditions, even in wet, compacted soil
Develops a shallow, fibrous root system; surface rooting is likely in heavy, alkaline soils (plant at least 30’ away from foundations and planting beds to avoid root intrusion) |
| Water requirements |
Moderate |
| Heat tolerance |
High, especially in urban conditions (reflected street heat) |
| Foliage |
Deciduous to evergreen (depending on climate)
Dark green, shiny, leathery leaves |
| Flowers |
Inconspicuous, green |
| Blooming period |
Fall |
| Fruit characteristics |
Inconspicuous, brown |
| Bark |
Cinnamon colored, exfoliating bark provides year-round interest
Thin bark is vulnerable to string-line trimmers; mulch to drip line of canopy if possible |
| Pests and disease |
Resistant to elm leaf beetle, Dutch elm disease and phloem necrosis
Susceptible to cotton root rot, particularly in wet conditions and areas where cotton was previously grown |
| Other |
Not to be confused with Siberian elm (U. pumila), which should not be planted due to its invasive nature, susceptibility to pests and diseases, overall weak structure and constant leaf/branch litter nuisance.
Low maintenance |
“As a fast growing shade tree in Texas, Lacebark elm is tops.”
- Dale Groom, Dale Groom’s Texas Gardening Guide.
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