Skip to content
← Plant Database
Chinese elm

Chinese elm

Ulmus parvifolia

tree☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate waterZone 3b – Zone 9b

A small deciduous to semi-evergreen tree prized for its delicate, finely-textured foliage and graceful branching habit. Popular as a bonsai and ornamental shade tree in mild climates.

Overview

Form
Rounded
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
25–60′ tall × 25–40′ wide
Dormancy
semi-evergreen

Tolerances & Soil

moderate

Flood Tolerance

none
Zone 3bZone 9b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 3b to Zone 9b

pH Range

4.87
3.556.589
pH range: 4.8 to 7

Soil Texture

Coarse, Medium, Fine

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringSummerFall

Canopy

The tallest trees that form the overstory.

Sub-canopy

Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.

Succession Role

early successionalmid successional

Native Range

Eastern Asia

Function & Care

biomass/mulchhedgerow
Coppicing

Establishment & Care

Establishment
easy
Maintenance
moderate
Propagation
seed, cutting, layering

Companion Planting

Plants well with