Lacebark Elm

Ulmus parvifolia

Ulmaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced

Last updated May 11, 2026

Plant Profile

Size & Form

Height

40–50 ft

Spread

59 ft

Growth Rate

Fast

Size at 20 yr

40 ft

Lifespan

Moderate

Site Requirements

Light

Full Sun

Soil Drainage

Adaptable

Soil pH

4.8-7.0

Water

Moderate

Drought Tolerance

Medium

Hardiness

Zones 5a–8b

Ornamental Interest

Bloom Time

August to September

Fall Color

Red, yellow

Origin

northern and central China, Japan, and Korea

Dutch Elm DiseaseHigh

Fungal Colonization of Xylem

AphidHigh

Peak Population & Dispersal

Elm leaf beetleHigh

Larval Feeding

Fall webwormHigh

Larval Feeding & Web Building

+ 2 more — see full disease and pest lists below

Diseases: Regionally Documented (4)

Neonectria ditissima Nectria Canker Ophiostoma novo-ulmi Dutch Elm Disease Multiple bacterial species, including Enterobacter cloaca... Bacterial Wetwood Slime Flux Enterobacter cloacae and Klebsiella pneumoniae Bacterial Wetwood

Pests: Regionally Documented (9)

Aphidoidea Aphid Scolytinae Bark beetle Nymphalis antiopa Spiny elm caterpillar Gossyparia spuria European elm scale Fenusa ulmi Elm leafminer Xanthogaleruca luteola Elm leaf beetle Prionoxystus robiniae Carpenterworm Hyphantria cunea Fall webworm Lepidosaphes ulmi Oystershell scale

Phenological Calendar

View full calendar (7 stages)

Stage	Typical Window	What to Look For
Bud break BBCH 07	Feb 15-Mar 15	Buds swelling and beginning to open; first green tissue visible
Leaf emergence BBCH 11	Mar 1-Apr 1	First leaves fully unfurled on new growth
Bloom start BBCH 61	Aug 1-Aug 31	First open flowers visible; flowers yellow
Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69	Aug 15-Sep 15	Last petals falling; flower structures fading
Fruit/seed development BBCH 71	Mar 15-May 31	Fruit or seed structures forming; fruit color: brown
Fall color / leaf senescence BBCH 93	Oct 1-Nov 15	Leaves changing color; fall display beginning
Dormancy BBCH 97	Nov 15-Feb 28	Leafless; no active growth; dormant buds set

Cultivars (6)

'Allee'

Common name: Allee Lacebark Elm; Mature height: 50 ft

Hardy to USDA Zone 5

'Bosque'

Common name: Bosque Lacebark Elm; Mature height: 40–50 ft

Hardy to USDA Zone 6

'Frosty'

Common name: Frosty Lacebark ElmFrosty Chinese Elm Variegated Lacebark ElmVariegated Chinese Elm; Mature height: 8 ft

'Hakkaido'

Common name: Hakkaido Lacebark Elm Hakkaido Chinese Elm Princess Elm; Mature height: 1 ft

Hardy to USDA Zone 5

'Seiju'

Common name: Seiju Dwarf Elm Seiju Lacebark Elm Seiju Chinese Elm; Mature height: 2–10 ft

Hardy to USDA Zone 4

'Frontier'

Hybrid (Ulmus minor × U. parvifolia); good fall color; DED resistant

Hardy to USDA Zone 5

Data Maturity

Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.