Chinese Elm
Ulmus parvifolia
A fast-growing, disease-resistant alternative to American Elm that combines rapid growth with exceptional durability and grace. This adaptable tree features small, glossy leaves that create dense shade in summer and often persist late into fall with attractive yellow color. Its distinctive mottled bark adds year-round visual interest, while its proven resistance to Dutch elm disease makes it a reliable choice for elm lovers.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
5–10
USDA hardiness
Height
40-50 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Chinese Elm in USDA Zone 7
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Chinese Elm · Zones 5–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Water: 'Allee'arching branches, upright vase habit, 50 feet tall, and 35 feet wide 'Athena' 'Bosque'pyramidal-columnar, ascending branches, 45 feet tall, and 30 feet wide 'Drake' 'Emer 11' 'Everclear' 'Frosty'tree or shrub, up to 8 feet tall, small green leaves edged with white or completely white 'Golden Ray' 'Hakkaido'dwarf shrub, small, leathery leaves 'Seiju'dwarf, slow growing, 2 to 10 feet tall with tiny leaves and corky bark as it matures, 'Allee', 'Athena', 'Bosque', 'Drake', 'Emer 11', 'Everclear', 'Frosty', 'Golden Ray', 'Hakkaido', 'Seiju'. Height: 40 ft. 0 in. - 50 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 35 ft. 0 in. - 50 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 24-60 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: High, Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Fruit is a light brown, oblong, flattened, and papery winged samara that measures about 0.5 inches long. The fruit appears in the fall and may last through early winter.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Samara. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Fall, Winter
Bloom time: Fall, Spring, Summer
History & Origin
Origin: Northern to Central China, Japan, and Korea
Advantages
- +Attracts: Songbirds
Considerations
- -High maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hostas
Thrives in partial shade under elm canopy, complementary root depths
Ferns
Excellent shade tolerance, helps retain soil moisture under tree
Astilbe
Shade-loving perennial that benefits from elm's filtered light and wind protection
Coral Bells
Tolerates dry shade conditions created by elm's dense canopy
Wild Ginger
Native groundcover that thrives in elm's shade and helps prevent soil erosion
Caladium
Shade-tolerant foliage plant that adds color under elm canopy
Pachysandra
Dense groundcover that suppresses weeds and tolerates root competition
Japanese Painted Fern
Ornamental shade plant that complements elm without competing for nutrients
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that can damage elm roots and overall tree health
Large Conifers
Compete heavily for water and nutrients, can create too much shade competition
Turf Grass
Dense shallow root system competes with elm for surface water and nutrients
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent resistance to Dutch elm disease and elm leaf beetle
Common Pests
Scale insects, aphids, elm leaf beetle (resistant)
Diseases
Generally disease resistant, occasional cankers