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