| Chinese Elm, also known as Lace-bark Elm, is a small-medium sized tree native to China, Japan, and Korea. Greensboro, NC 5/15/10.
| 
| In North Carolina Chinese Elm has been abundantly planted in recent years and is showing signs of becoming highly invasive, at least in waste areas. It is a frequent escape from cultivation in the Durham area. Greensboro, NC 5/15/10.
|
| The branching pattern is distinctive. Durham, NC 9/11/08.
| 
| The leaves are similar to the native Winged Elm (Ulmus alata), smaller, less jagged-toothed, and smooth above on older plants. Leaves on seedlings are rough above, like Winged Elm. "Parvifolia" refers to the small leaves. Durham, NC 9/11/08.
|
| Durham, NC 10/1/06.
| 
| Lace-bark Elm flowers in the fall, unlike our native species, which flower in early spring. Durham, NC 10/1/06.
| 
| The bark peels to reveal interesting patterns, one reason why this tree is so popular as an ornamental. Durham, NC 10/1/06.
| 
| Bark of same tree (lower down). Durham, NC 10/1/06.
|
More information:
USDA PLANTS
University of Connecticut
Recommended Tree, Shrub, and Woody Vine Identification Guides
|
|