Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Chinese Elm

Ulmus Parvifolia

Design with this plant

Overview

The Chinese Elm, or Ulmus parvifolia, is prized for its intricate bark and fine-textured foliage. Maturing at around 40-50 feet high with a spread of 25-40 feet, it presents a rounded canopy. Its leaves are small, under 3 inches long, and turn a delightful mix of red, purple, and yellow in fall. Hardy in zones 5-9, this drought-resistant elm is ideal for urban environments, offering year-round interest.

Sun FullWater LowZones 7–10Type TreeClimate Temperate
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — <br><br>The Chinese Elm thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9; leathery leaves are a deep, image 75
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — <br><br>Its rapid growth rateChinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — This tree is also less susceptible to the Dutch elm disease that has ravaged many other elm speciesChinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — <br><br>Its rapid growth rate; this tree is also less susceptible to the Dutch elm disease that has ravaged many other elmChinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — Its leaves are small, under 3 inches long, and turn a delightful mix of red, purple, and yellow in fallChinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — though consistent watering can promote healthier growthChinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — though consistent watering can promote healthier growth; it prefers full sun to partial shade and can grow in a range of soil+98

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Low
USDA zones
7–10

Shape & size

Mature height
40–55 Ft.
Mature width
40–55 Ft.

Classification

Type
Tree
Family
Ulmaceae
Climate
Temperate

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (105)

Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — <br><br>The Chinese Elm thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9; leathery leaves are a deep, image 75
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — <br><br>Its rapid growth rate
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — This tree is also less susceptible to the Dutch elm disease that has ravaged many other elm species
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — <br><br>Its rapid growth rate; this tree is also less susceptible to the Dutch elm disease that has ravaged many other elm
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — Its leaves are small, under 3 inches long, and turn a delightful mix of red, purple, and yellow in fall
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — though consistent watering can promote healthier growth
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — though consistent watering can promote healthier growth; it prefers full sun to partial shade and can grow in a range of soil
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — Pruning during dormancy helps maintain its shape and encourages robust health
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — provided the area has good drainage; its leaves are small, under 3 inches long, and turn a delightful mix of red, purple, and
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — provided the area has good drainage
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — a critical point for lasting landscape design; reaching upwards of 3 feet annually under optimal conditions
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — Its leaves are small, under 3 inches long, and turn a delightful mix of red, purple, and yellow in fall; provided the area has
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — reaching upwards of 3 feet annually under optimal conditions
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — The Chinese Elm, or Ulmus parvifolia, is prized for its intricate bark and fine-textured foliage; hardy in zones 5-9, this
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — Moderate drought tolerance is a hallmark of this species
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — measuring about 1 to 2.5 inches long
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — mottled bark that exfoliates with age
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — reaching upwards of 3 feet annually under optimal conditions; the Chinese Elm, or Ulmus parvifolia, is prized for, image 82
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — It is highly praised for its attractive; making it rather adaptable to a variety of climates, image 67
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — scientifically known as Ulmus parvifolia; maturing at around 40-50 feet high with a spread of 25-40 feet, it, image 65
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — Hardy in zones 5-9, this drought-resistant elm is ideal for urban environments, offering year-round interest; a, image 64
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — rounded canopy extending approximately 25 to 40 feet wide; and they exhibit a delightfully yellow to reddish-purple hue in the
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — This elm can reach a mature height between 40 to 50 feet; it is highly praised for its attractive
Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) — It is highly praised for its attractive
Photographs by 10 contributors

Related plants

Accolade Elm (Ulmus 'Morton' Accolade&trade;) — It thrives in USDA Zones 5-8, in full sun to partial shade, and is adaptable to varied soil types

Tree

Accolade Elm

Ulmus 'Morton' Accolade&trade;

FullUSDA 4–9
American Elm (Ulmus Americana) — is a stately and historic deciduous tree widely recognized for its graceful vase-like silhouette and extensive, image 56

Tree

American Elm

Ulmus Americana

FullUSDA 2–9
Camperdown Elm (Ulmus Glabra 'Camperdownii') — reaching heights up to 25 ft

Tree

Camperdown Elm

Ulmus Glabra 'Camperdownii'

FullUSDA 3–10
Cedar Elm (Ulmus Crassifolia) — tree with green and yellow blooms

Tree

Cedar Elm

Ulmus Crassifolia

FullUSDA 2–9
Chinese Hackberry (Celtis Sinensis) — inconspicuous flowers emerge

Tree

Chinese Hackberry

Celtis Sinensis

FullUSDA 6–10
Common Hackberry (Celtis Occidentalis) — The leaves, ovate with a serrated edge, offer a subtle yet pleasing mid-green hue

Tree

Common Hackberry

Celtis Occidentalis

FullUSDA 3–9