Family: Ulmaceae
Author: Jacq.
Bibliography: Pl. Hort. Schoenbr. 3: 6 (1798)
Year: 1798
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Ulmus
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & S. China to Vietnam, S. Korea, Japan (Honshu, Kyushu) to Taiwan
Description
Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)
The Chinese elm, scientifically known as Ulmus parvifolia, is a deciduous or semi-deciduous tree, renowned for its elegant, arching branches, and distinctive exfoliating bark. First documented in the botanical world by botanist Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin in his work, “Plantae Horti Schoenbrunnensis,” in 1798, this species holds a prominent place in the family Ulmaceae.
The Chinese elm has a broad geographical range across East Asia, native to countries including China, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan (specifically Honshu and Kyushu), and Taiwan. This versatility in habitat is a testament to its adaptability and resilience in varying climatic conditions.
Appearance
Chinese elms typically grow between 40 to 50 feet in height, although they can sometimes exceed this range under optimal conditions. The tree is characterized by its dense, rounded crown, which offers ample shade. One of its most striking features is the bark, which exfoliates to reveal a patchwork of colors ranging from gray to orange-brown, adding an ornamental quality to the tree.
The leaves of the Chinese elm are small, usually 1 to 2 inches long, with serrated margins and an overall lanceolate shape. The foliage turns a spectacular yellow, red, or purple in the autumn, providing a vibrant display of seasonal color.
Habitat and Growth
Thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9, Ulmus parvifolia is remarkably tolerant of various soil types, including acidic, alkaline, loamy, sandy, and clay soils. It prefers full sun but can also grow effectively in partial shade. This tree is drought-resistant once established, making it an excellent choice for urban environments where water resources may be limited.
Uses and Benefits
Chinese elms are often favored for urban planting due to their high tolerance to pollution and compact root system, which is less likely to damage sidewalks and foundations compared to other species. They are popular choices for street trees, bonsai cultivation, and for use in parks and gardens.
The wood of the Chinese elm is valued for its strength and hardness, often used in furniture making, construction, and in the crafting of traditional tools in its native regions.
Care and Maintenance
Care for the Chinese elm involves minimal maintenance once the tree is established. Regular watering during the early years helps establish a robust root system. Pruning is essential to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased wood. This can be performed in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Although generally resistant to Dutch elm disease, Ulmus parvifolia may still suffer from other issues such as aphids, leafhoppers, and scale insects. Regular monitoring and appropriate treatment are recommended to keep the tree healthy.
In summary, the Chinese elm is a versatile and resilient tree that offers both aesthetic and practical benefits. Its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, combined with its low maintenance requirements, makes it a cherished addition to both urban and natural landscapes across the world.
Common Names
Eng: chinese elm, lacebark, lacebark elm
Afr: chinese iep, fynblaarolm
Deu: japanische ulme
Swe: kinesisk alm
Ita: olmo cinese
Fra: orme de chine
En: Chinese elm, Lacebark, Lacebark elm
Af: Chinese iep, Fynblaarolm, Sjinese olm
Ar: دردار صغير الأوراق
Hy: Թեղի մանրատերև
Az: Xırdayarpaq qarağac
Bg: Дребнолистен бряст
Zh: Lang yu, 榔榆, 紅雞油
Et: Väikeselehine jalakas
Fi: Kiinanjalava
Fr: Orme de Chine
De: Japanische Ulme, Chinesische Ulme
He: בוקיצה קטנת עלים (אולמוס)
Hu: Kínai szil
It: Olmo cinese
Ja: Aki-nire
Ko: Chamneureupnamu, 참느릅나무
No: Kinesisk alm
Fa: نارون چینی
Ru: Вяз мелколистный
Sr: Кинески брест
Es: Olmo chino
Sv: Kinesisk alm
Zh-tw: 榔榆
Tr: Çin karaağacı
Uk: В’яз китайський
Synonyms
- Ulmus sieboldii f. shirasawana ((Daveau) Nakai)
- Ulmus coreana (Nakai)
- Microptelea parvifolia ((Jacq.) Spach)
- Ulmus shirasawana (Daveau)
- Ulmus chinensis (Desf.)
- Ulmus parvifolia f. pendens (Rehder)
- Ulmus parvifolia f. lanceolata ((Nakai) Uyeki)
- Ulmus parvifolia var. cycloptera ((Nakai) Uyeki)
- Ulmus parvifolia var. coreana ((Nakai) Uyeki)
- Ulmus coreana var. lanceolata (Nakai)
- Ulmus coreana var. cycloptera (Nakai)
- Planera parvifolia ((Jacq.) Sweet)
- Ulmus sieboldii (Daveau)
- Ulmus japonica (Siebold)
- Ulmus parvifolia var. lanceolata ((Nakai) Yong J.Li)
- Ulmus campestris var. chinensis ((Desf.) Loudon)
Distribution
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Japan (native)
- Korea (native)
- Nansei-shoto (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- Alabama (introduced)
- Arkansas (introduced)
- Bolivia (introduced)
- California (introduced)
- Cape Provinces (introduced)
- District of Columbia (introduced)
- Free State (introduced)
- Georgia (introduced)
- Guatemala (introduced)
- Kentucky (introduced)
- Maine (introduced)
- Maryland (introduced)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
- Northern Provinces (introduced)
- Uzbekistan (introduced)
- Virginia (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken May 5, 2019 by Ariana (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 3, 2019 by Geoffrey Black (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 30, 2021 by witt1 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 23, 2019 by Clare Cao (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 20, 2019 by Amy Amy Hunkler (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 2, 2019 by JAMIE BROWN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 10, 2021 by Patrick Kielly (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 12, 2019 by Wen Shang (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 27, 2021 by Garcia Baena (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Nov 27, 2021 by Jonathan Golan (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2021 by Kenneth Parker (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 14, 2021 by phil curtis (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 11, 2021 by b p (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jan 24, 2021 by SCAMPS_MX (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 29, 2020 by Kristi Reynolds (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 21, 2020 by Baobab Obesum (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 30, 2021 by Niarsi Merry (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Adams Sunny (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Alfy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Alfy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 7, 2019 by Geoffrey Black (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 5, 2022 by az xwsd (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 2, 2019 by JAMIE BROWN (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5361869)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:302296-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ulmus parvifolia Jacq.)
Specifications
Growth form: Single Stem
Growth habit: Tree
Growth rate: Rapid
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.0
Ph minimum: 4.8