Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)

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Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)

Chinese Elm, also known as Lace-bark Elm, is a small-medium sized tree native to China, Japan, and Korea.

Greensboro, NC 5/15/10.

Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)

In North Carolina Chinese Elm has been abundantly planted in recent years and is showing signs of becoming highly invasive, at least in waste areas. It is a frequent escape from cultivation in the Durham area.

Greensboro, NC 5/15/10.

Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)

The branching pattern is distinctive.

Durham, NC 9/11/08.

Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)

The leaves are similar to the native Winged Elm (Ulmus alata), smaller, less jagged-toothed, and smooth above on older plants. Leaves on seedlings are rough above, like Winged Elm. "Parvifolia" refers to the small leaves.

Durham, NC 9/11/08.

Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)

Durham, NC 10/1/06.

Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)

Lace-bark Elm flowers in the fall, unlike our native species, which flower in early spring.

Durham, NC 10/1/06.

Lace-bark Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)

The bark peels to reveal interesting patterns, one reason why this tree is so popular as an ornamental.

Durham, NC 10/1/06.

Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)

Bark of same tree (lower down).

Durham, NC 10/1/06.

More information:
USDA PLANTS
University of Connecticut

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