Lacebark Elm Ulmus parvifolia 'Emer 11'

Chinese elm is a large ornamental deciduous shade tree in the Ulmaceae (elm) family native to China, Korea, and Japan. It is a tough, durable, upright tree that grows quickly to 40 to 60 feet tall and wide and is easy to transplant.

Winter interest is provided by the exfoliating bark that appears in shades of brown, tan, gray, olive, or cinnamon. Plant in the full sun to partial shade and while it is adaptable to different soil and pH types, it prefers well-drained soil. It tolerates being planted in wet sites and is moderately salt tolerant. There is great variability among seedlings, and there are many cultivars available.

Chinese Elm makes a shade-resistant street or urban tree that is resistant to Dutch elm disease and air pollution. Unfortunately, it has very low wind resistance and has the potential to be weedy through self-seeding in surrounding landscapes. It is used in bonsai.  Consider native alternatives to this invasive tree such as Acer rubrum (Red Maple), Betula nigra (River Birch), Carpinus caroliniana (American Hornbeam), Celtis occidentalis (Common Hackberry), Chionanthus virginicus (Fringe Tree), Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood) and Ulmus americana (American Elm).

'Emer 11' is a medium-sized cultivar of the Chinese elm.  It has resistance to Dutch elm disease and is unaffected by the elm leaf beetle, as well as leaf scorch, dieback and cold winters.   

Its most distinctive feature is its fluted trunk which exhibits showy exfoliating bark in shades of green, gray, orange, and brown.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious issues, occasional insects affecting this plant can include leaf miners, beetles, mealy bugs, scale, caterpillars and borers.  Diseases can include wilts, rots and cankers.  

More information on Ulmus parvifolia.