Description

Leaves: Alternate; simple; elliptic to ovate or obovate; 3/4" to 2-1/2" long; deciduous; singly serrate margin; acute apex; unequal and rounded at base; dark green and glabrous above; hairy beneath when young; leathery.

Twigs/buds: Twigs slender; gray-brown; glabrous to slightly hairy.  Buds small compared to other elms, 1/10" to 1/8" long; brown; slightly hairy.

Flowers/fruit: Monoecious.  Fruit a samara; 1/3" long; oval; wing as in other elms, notched at tip; ripens in fall.

Bark: Gray-green with orange and brown; beautiful interlacing appearance, very characteristic.

Wood: No information available.

General: Native to northern and central China, Korea, and Japan.  This is the true Chinese elm and is not the same as Siberian elm.  Intermediate shade tolerance.

Landscape Use: This is a desirable landscape tree that can do well in most of Utah.  It has a medium growth rate, a nice canopy form, interesting bark and attractive foliage, and is adaptable to a wide variety of sites.  It also is resistant to Dutch elm disease.  Good examples exist around the Little America Hotel grounds in Salt Lake City.  Should be planted more, but make sure you ask for it by its scientific name to avoid confusion.  Zones 4-9.

Cultivars: 'Burgundy', 'Caitlin', 'Central Park Splendor', 'Drake', 'Dynasty', 'Emerald Isle', 'Emerald Vase', 'Golden Ray', 'King's Choice', 'Ohio', 'Prairie Shade'.

Characteristics