How to identify Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia)
Chinese elm, also known as Leather-leaf elm
Chinese elm boasts an eye-catching, lacy bark that naturally exfoliates, revealing a tapestry of brown, tan, olive, and cinnamon shades. Each leaf, with its glossy dark green upper surface that contrasts with a hairy lower texture, is simple and alternate. The leaves are notably asymmetrical and feature parallel veins. They exhibit a coriaceous quality and come in sizes ranging from medium to very small, typically lasting persistently. The blooming period of chinese elm occurs in late summer, showcasing clusters that precede the appearance of its samaras. These winged fruits are elliptical to ovate and house a centrally located seed.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Tree
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Exfoliating bark with brown, tan, olive, and cinnamon hues.
Small, inconspicuous reddish-green flowers in unisexual clusters.
Distinct light brown, oblong fruit with wing-like samaras.
Dark green leaves, asymmetrical, glossy upper surface, hairy lower texture.
Smooth grayish stem, zigzag branching, ellipsoidal buds with brown scales.
The leaves of chinese elm are dark green, simple, and alternate, typically measuring 1 to 2.5 inches (2.5 to 6.4 cm) long and 0.5 to 1.5 inches (1.3 to 3.8 cm) wide. They are elliptic to obovate in shape, with serrated edges and an acute to sub acuminate tip. The base is weakly asymmetrical or oblique. The upper surface is glossy, while the lower surface is paler, featuring minute hairy tufts in the vein axils. Each lateral vein ends in a tooth. In fall, leaves may turn green, yellow, purple, or red.
The flowers of chinese elm are small and inconspicuous, appearing in clusters throughout the tree. They exhibit a reddish-green hue and typically emerge during late spring, summer, or fall. These flowers are unisexual, with both male and female flowers present on the same tree. Each floral cluster is composed of multiple tiny, petal-less blooms, measuring about 1/8 inch (3 mm) in diameter. The flowers lack a strong scent, making them easily overlooked despite their role in the tree's reproductive process.
The stem of chinese elm is characterized by its smooth grayish bark, which may develop exfoliating patches revealing a lighter underbark. Typically, the stem diameter ranges from 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 cm) in young plants, thickening with age. It displays a zigzag branching pattern with fine stems bearing inverted pins. The buds are small, ellipsoidal, and blunt with brown scales. These stems provide a unique textural contrast and distinct appearance crucial for identifying chinese elm.
The fruit of chinese elm exhibits a distinct light brown hue, adopts an oblong and flattened shape, encapsulated within a papery, wing-like samara. It spans approximately 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) in length. Typically maturing in the fall, this unique fruit feature is designed to persist on the tree through the onset of early winter, possibly aiding in its distribution by wind.
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Scientific Classification of Chinese elm
