Chinese Elm, also known as Lace-bark Elm, is a small-medium sized tree native to China, Japan, and Korea.

Greensboro, NC 5/15/10.

In North Carolina Chinese Elm has been abundantly planted in recent years and is showing signs of becoming highly invasive, at least in waste areas. It is a frequent escape from cultivation in the Durham area.

Greensboro, NC 5/15/10.

The branching pattern is distinctive.

Durham, NC 9/11/08.

The leaves are similar to the native Winged Elm (Ulmus alata), smaller, less jagged-toothed, and smooth above on older plants. Leaves on seedlings are rough above, like Winged Elm. "Parvifolia" refers to the small leaves.

Durham, NC 9/11/08.

Durham, NC 10/1/06.

Lace-bark Elm flowers in the fall, unlike our native species, which flower in early spring.

Durham, NC 10/1/06.

The bark peels to reveal interesting patterns, one reason why this tree is so popular as an ornamental.

Durham, NC 10/1/06.

Bark of same tree (lower down).

Durham, NC 10/1/06.