The Chinese Lacebark Elm is a medium sized shade tree native to China. With a rounded canopy, it is often identified by its beautiful exfoliating bark. The bark peels away from the trunk in a puzzle piece pattern to expose shades of green, gray, orange, and brown.
The Chinese Lacebark Elm tree has glossy, green serrated leaves that reveal yellow to burgundy hues in the fall. It can grow up to 40-50′ tall with a long graceful branch structure. With over 150 species of Elm trees worldwide, the Chinese Lacebark elm is often mistaken for its relative, the Siberian Elm, which is a less desirable shade tree.
The wood of a Chinese Lacebark is strong and heavy. It can be used for furniture, paneling, and ship building. Due to its wood strength, Chinese Lacebark Elm trees are less likely to sustain damage by heavy ice or snow than other large ornamentals.
Unlike its relative the American Elm tree, the Chinese Lacebark Elm is resistant to Dutch Elm disease. It can survive in a wide range of soils; and is able to withstand harsh growing conditions. It has a fibrous and shallow root system in comparison to most trees, making it easy to transplant.
