The Lacebark Elm, or Chinese Elm, is a medium- sized tree that typically grows to 40-50 and is arguably the best elm for landscape use in Connecticut. It performs well in difficult urban settings, is resistant to insects that attack elms and is also resistant to the Dutch elm disease which has been so problematic for the American Elm. The trunk of Lacebark Elm has a handsome, flaking bark of mottled grays with tans and reds. Insignificant, small, reddish-green flowers appear in late summer. Flowers give way to single-seeded wafer-like samaras (each tiny seed is surrounded by a flattened circular papery wing) that mature in fall. Elliptic to ovate, shiny dark green leaves (to 3” long) have small teeth. Leaves typically turn an undistinguished dull yellow in fall, but sometimes produce more interesting yellows or reddish-purples.

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USDA Zones 4-9