lacebark elm (Ulmus parvifolia) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Lacebark elm is an East Asian tree planted along streets and in gardens in the United States. Older trunks peel into gray, tan, olive, and cinnamon patches, and small flowers appear in late summer, unusually late for an elm. It is also called Chinese elm.

Appearance

Appearance: Mature bark flakes away to reveal a colorful mottled surface, which explains the name lacebark elm.
Growth form: It forms a rounded to vase-shaped crown and commonly reaches 40–50 ft (12–15 m) tall and 35–50 ft (11–15 m) wide in U.S. landscapes.
Leaves: The small, glossy leaves are alternate, slightly uneven at the base, and edged with teeth. Fall color can be yellow, red, or purple, especially in colder regions.
Flowering time: Small flowers appear in late summer, followed by fruit in fall.
Fruit: The fruit is a light brown, papery about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) long, with the seed near its center.

Look-alikes

Siberian elmUlmus pumila

Lacebark elm flowers and fruits in late summer and fall, and its mature bark flakes into mottled patches. Siberian elm flowers and seeds in spring and develops rough, deeply furrowed bark.

Why they get mixed upBoth Asian elms have small toothed leaves, and both have been sold under the name Chinese elm.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: streets and parks
lawns
moist, well-drained sites
urban landscapes
Range: Native to East Asia, it is planted as a shade or street tree in the United States. In North Carolina, seedlings may appear beyond plantings.
Preferred conditions: It grows in full sun to partial shade and handles clay, loam, sand, varied soil pH, urban pollution, and occasional dryness.

Growing it

Propagation: Seed is commonly used for propagation, although named garden are propagated to preserve their traits.

Name and classification

Varieties and forms: Many cultivars are sold in the United States, including ‘Allee,’ ‘Athena,’ and ‘Drake.’ They vary in crown shape, bark pattern, cold hardiness, and fall color.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction
Status: It has a wide range, a large population, and no major known threat.

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: It is valued as an urban tree for its good resistance to Dutch elm disease, though its branches can break in strong wind.

10 sources