Can Chinese Elm Grow in Texas?

Description

• Chinese elm is a fast growing tree that reaches 40 to 60 feet tall and 30 to 40 feet wide. The small leaves form a dense, round or oval canopy. It bears inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers in the summer followed by winged fruit in the fall. The mottled, gray bark peels off to reveal patches of brown, orange, or green. It is also called lacebark elm because the peeling bark on the trunk and branches resemble lace.

Culture

• Chinese elm grows in full sun to partial shade in any type of soil, including very alkaline soil. Although it is drought tolerant, it grows best with a moderate amount of water. It is a good tree for parking lots and other urban locations, since it will grow in poor soil and areas where the roots are restricted. It is not as susceptible to pests and diseases as other types of elms. Chinese elm grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. It is semi-evergreen in warmer zones and deciduous in colder zones.

Cultivars

• “Drake” Chinese elm is a popular variety with rich dark green leaves and upright spreading branches that begins peeling at an early age. “Allee” is larger than the species and its canopy casts a deep shade. Its bark peels off in a puzzle-like pattern and its leaves turn yellow in the fall. “Pathfinder” is a medium sized tree with a vase-shape that has grayish-orange bark. Its glossy yellow leaves turn reddish in the fall. “Bosque” is a dwarf variety that grows in a pyramid shape. It has grayish-brown or grayish-orange bark and yellow-orange fall foliage. “Burgundy” is another dwarf variety. It has a broad rounded canopy, rich orangish-brown bark and deep burgundy fall foliage.

Caution

• Do not confuse Chinese elm with Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila), which is an inferior tree. Siberian elm is larger than Chinese elm and has an irregular vase-shaped crown. The small brown berries and weak, brittle branches cause a significant amount of litter under and around the tree. It produces large surface roots that can damage sidewalks or other paved area, and interfere with mowing.