Does a Lacebark Elm Lose Its Leaves?

Leaves

• Chinese elms have small leaves. The species name "parvifolia" is a combination of the Latin "parvus," meaning small, and "folium," meaning leaf. The color of this tree's autumn leaves varies from an undistinguished, dull yellow to rich yellow, orange-red or orange. The color is richer and more varied in warmer climates

Semi-Evergreen Cultivars

• “Sempervierens" (Ulma parvifolia “Sempervierens”), USDA zones 8b through 10, has weeping, spreading branches and foliage. “Drake” (Ulma parvifolia “Drake"), USDA zones 7 through 9, has upright branches in a rounded crown and dark green leaves. Graceful, rounded “True Green” (Ulmus parvifolia “True Green”), USDA 6 through 11, has glossy green foliage.

Bark

• Chinese elms are not prized for their leaves but rather for their striking bark, which accounts for their "lacebark" common name. The white bark of mature trees peels or flakes, revealing colorful, mottled patches of brown, cream, orange or gray bark. In addition to the species tree, cultivars especially notable for their decorative bark include “Burgundy” (Ulma parvifolia “Burgundy”) and “Golden Ray” (Ulma parvifolia “Golden Ray”), sometimes called “Golden Rey,” with light yellow leaves that turn deeper yellow as they mature. You can grow these cultivars in the same USDA zones as the species tree.

Bogus Chinese Elms

• If you’re considering planting a Chinese elm, do not let yourself be fooled into buying the Siberian elm (Ulma pumila), USDA zones 4 through 9, wihch nurseries sometimes erroneously sell as a Chinese elm. Siberian elms yield autumn foliage that is a lackluster yellow, and wind easily damages their brittle limbs. The biggest drawback is that 25 states have reported it as being invasive in natural areas.