Ulmus parv. ‘Sempervirens’

Evergreen Elm

OVERVIEW:

Ulmus parvifolia ‘Semperviens’ (Chinese Elm) is a deciduous tree that forms a graceful, upright, rounded canopy of long, arching, and somewhat weeping branches. This species is happiest in USDA hardiness zones 8b through 10 and evergreen in the southern extent of its range. Chinese elm can reach 80 feet in height but is more often seen at 40 to 50 feet and known to withstand drought, alkaline soil, severe heat, and soil compaction. This species is among the top urban trees on most recommended tree lists in the south and Midwest, making it an ideal shade street, or parking lot tree.

CLASSIFICATION:

Scientific Name: Ulmus parvifolia

Common Name: Weeping Chinese elm, weeping lacebark elm

Family: Ulmaceae

Suggested Uses: sidewalk cutout, street without sidewalk, parking lot island

CHARACTERISTICS:

Height: 35 to 40 feet

Foliage: green elliptic (oval) leaf shape less than 2 inches in length with pinnate venation

Flower: Inconspicuous

Bloom Period: N/A

Fruit: N/A

Bark: Gray-brown bark peels off in patches as the tree reaches maturity

ENVIRONMENT:

Sun: Partial shade to full sun

Water: moderate regular water

Soil: Sandy, clay, loamy

USDA Zone:  8A through 10b