Chinese elm
(Ulmus parvifolia)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Appearance
Ulmus parvifolia is an erect tree from 30-60 ft. tall with a slender trunk and crown. The bark is exfoliating and flakey with colors ranging from gray, green, orange, and tan to red-brown.
Foliage
The small, elliptical, leaves are from 0.8-2 in. long, to 0.5-1 in. wide. The lea margins are single-toothed with a few double-toothed. The leaf base is unequal.
Flowers
The small, tight green inflorescence arises from the leaf axil. It blooms from August through September.
Fruit
Fruits are samaras, lime green when immature, and then maturing to a deep russet about October. The seed is notched at the tip and nearly fills the samara when mature.
Ecological Threat
Ulmus parvifolia can be found in a variety of different habitat types such as meadow, prairie, and landscaping. It prefers full to partial sun, and well drained soils.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
- Alabama Invasive Plant Council
- City of Ann Arbor Michigan Parks and Recreation
- Hoffman, R. & K. Kearns, Eds. 1997. Wisconsin manual of control recommendations for ecologically invasive plants. Wisconsin Dept. Natural Resources, Bureau of Endangered Resources. Madison, Wisconsin. 102pp.
- Iowa Forest Invasive Plants
- Jil M. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007
- Kentucky Exotic Pest Plant Council - Watch List
- National Park Service, Mid-Atlantic Exotic Plant Management Team Invasive Plant List
- New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team 2017 Invasive Species List
- Non-Native Invasive Plants of Arlington County, Virginia
- Non-Native Invasive Plants of the City of Alexandria, Virginia
- South Carolina Invasive Pest Council
- Virginia Master Naturalists Priority Species List
- WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Rosanae |
| Order: Rosales |
| Family: Ulmaceae |
| Genus: Ulmus |
| Ulmus parvifolia |
References
Common Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.