Chinese elm
Ulmus parvifolia
Often called the 'Lacebark Elm' due to its beautiful, self-exfoliating bark that reveals patches of gray, green, orange, and brown.
- Scientific name
- Ulmus parvifolia
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Rosales › Ulmaceae › Ulmus
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Temperate forests, valleys, slopes, and disturbed urban areas.
- Diet
- Autotrophic (photosynthesis requiring sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide).
- Range
- China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, North America
- Size
- 10 to 18 meters (30 to 60 feet) tall, with a crown spread of similar width.
- Lifespan
- 50 to 150 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Susceptible to elm leaf beetles and occasionally Dutch elm disease, though highly resistant compared to other elms; also threatened by habitat fragmentation in its native range.
- Safe to approach?
- Completely harmless and safe to approach. Enjoy its shade or admire its intricate, peeling bark. No special precautions are needed, though climbing mature trees should be done with care to avoid damaging branches.
Ulmus parvifolia , commonly known as the Chinese elm or lacebark elm , is a species native to eastern Asia, including China, India, Taiwan, Japan, North Korea, and Vietnam. It has been described as "one of the most splendid elms, having the poise of a graceful Nothofagus ".
Photo: Reid Hardin, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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