Ulmus parvifolia 'Emer II' - Allee Chinese Elm

A superb tall shade tree for general landscape use, with a distinct vase shape and stunning mottled bark in brown, gray and orange, very noticeable in winter, grows quite large; highly resistant to Dutch elm disease; a distinct improvement on the species

Height: 60 feet. Spread: 50 feet. Sun: full sun. Hardiness zone: 5a.

Ornamental features

Allee Elm has dark green deciduous foliage on a tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. The small serrated pointy leaves turn yellow in fall. The mottled brown bark is extremely showy and adds significant winter interest.

Landscape

Allee Elm is a deciduous tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Recommended for: Shade.

Planting and growing

Allee Elm will grow to be about 60 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 50 feet. It has a high canopy with a typical clearance of 7 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.