The Growth Habits of Chinese Elms

Description

• The deciduous Chinese elm has a mature height of 40 to 50 feet. The 2 inch long, elliptical, toothed foliage is semievergreen in areas of mild weather. The flaky bark has a mottled shade of gray, green, brown and orange, and the inconspicuous flowers bloom in September. The Chinese elm fruit, referred to as samaras, are 1/3 inch long, papery, flat pods hanging from the tree in thick clusters.

Growth Rate

• The Chinese elm tree has a rapid growth rate in the warmer weather in the Southern United States. The growth rate slows a little in the northern areas. The tree is tolerant of environment stress and hence does well in urban settings as a street tree. The tree has strong wood that makes it well resistant to ice and wind damage.

Cultural Requirements

• The tree adapts well to a range of soil types including wet, dry, compacted or poor ground. For optimal growth, plant it in well-drained, moist, fertile soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Choose a site receiving full-to-partial sun. The tree easily propagates with seeds planted in containers immediately after ripening in fall. Water the tree regularly, although the tree tolerates drought. Chinese elm is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 5 to 9 and is resistant to the Dutch elm disease and phloem necrosis.

Planting Suggestions

• The Chinese elm has strong surface roots that easily crack paved areas and sidewalks. Plant the tree at least 2 feet away from a street or sidewalk, 15 feet away from homes and 30 feet away from other landscape tree, as suggested by Jeff Meyer in "The Tree Book."