Chinese elm

plant

Also known as: Ulmus parvifolia

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

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The Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia) is a small, fast-growing tree or shrub native to eastern Asia. It is characterized by its shining, leathery leaves and is widely used for shelterbelts and hedges. The Chinese elm is part of the Ulmus genus, which includes about 35 species of trees known for their attractive foliage and use as shade trees. Elms have doubly toothed leaves and produce small, nut-like fruits called samaras. Many elm species, including the Chinese elm, are cultivated for ornamental purposes. However, elms are susceptible to diseases like Dutch elm disease, spread by bark beetles, which has significantly impacted elm populations.12

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elm
Major species
…species planted as ornamentals include Chinese elm (U. parvifolia), a small-leaved species with interesting mottled bark; English elm (U. procera), with a compact crown and deeply fissured bark; Wych elm (U. glabra), with smoother bark; and Camperdown elm (U. glabra camperdownii), a variety of Wych elm also known as umbrella…
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…species planted as ornamentals include Chinese elm (U. parvifolia), a small-leaved species with interesting mottled bark; English elm (U. procera), with a compact crown and deeply fissured bark; Wych elm (U. glabra), with smoother bark; and Camperdown elm (U. glabra camperdownii), a variety of Wych elm also known as umbrella…
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Dutch elm disease
…the smooth leaf (Ulmus carpinifolia), Chinese (U. parvifolia), and Siberian (U. pumila) elms have shown good resistance, and experiments with hybrids of American and Asiatic elms have met with much success.
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…the smooth leaf (Ulmus carpinifolia), Chinese (U. parvifolia), and Siberian (U. pumila) elms have shown good resistance, and experiments with hybrids of American and Asiatic elms have met with much success.
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