Ulmus parvifolia

Chinese Elm is an introduced small tree in the Elm Family (ULMACEAE). It is a commonly planted street tree in Alabama and has been reported as an escape in the southern half of the state. Chinese Elm occurs in vacant lots, along roads, and in disturbed woodlands. It is native to Japan and China. Chinese Elm is a small deciduous tree reaching heights of 60 feet. The bark is thin and sheds in irregular plates. The bark is olive green, gray, tan, and orange. Branches are pendulous but not winged. The leaves are alternate, elliptic in outline, with serrate margins. Flowers are produced in fascicles in late summer. The fruit is a samara. Fruit ripen in the late autumn and may remain on the tree into winter. Many cultivars are available from nurseries including ‘Catlin’, a dwarf form; ‘Drake’, which is evergreen in warmer climates; ‘Dynasty’ with red fall foliage; ‘Frosty’ with leaves having a white margin; ‘Emer 1’ with bright orange bark; ‘Golden Rey’ with yellow new growth and autumn foliage; ‘Pathfinder’ with red fall color; ‘Sempervirens’, an almost evergreen form; and ‘True Green’ with deep green foliage. Chinese Elm tolerates poor soil, drought, and pollution, making it a popular street tree in urban areas.--A. Diamond