Practical information to identify and manage non-native, invasive plants
The Quiet Invasion:A Guide to Invasive Plants of the Galveston Bay Area
Ulmus parvifolia
| USDA Symbol: | ULPA |
| ITIS TSN: | 19055 |
| Presence: | Current Invaders |
| Habitat: | Terrestrial |
| Native Range: | Northern China and Japan |
Toxic Characteristics
This species is not known to be toxic.Geographic Distribution
Predominant in the southern U.S., and found as far north as Maine, Michigan, and the Pacific Northwest. Found in the Lower Galveston Bay watershed in the Houston urban area.Introduction Pathways
Introduced and still planted as a reclamation plant. Often planted as an urban tree known for its resistance to air pollution, and as a residential street and parking lot tree.Specific Primary Habitats
Prefers well-drained soils, but will readily escape cultivation in urban and suburban areas into natural areas with less favorable conditions. Also found in moist soils along streams.Identifying Characteristics
When mature, develops a rounded crown with fine branches. Stems have a marked zigzag pattern. Bark exfoliates and is mottled brown, orange, and gray. While deciduous, it remains nearly evergreen with little color change in the southern portions of its range. Leaves are alternate, simple, elliptical, and shiny with toothed margins and are 1.5 - 3 inches long. Flowers occur in green clusters and are not showy. Fruit occurs in clusters of flat, winged capsules, small and brown, and are inconspicuous.Reproduction Characteristics
Flowers and fruits in late fall. Wind-dispersed seeds will sprout in other locations, usually with moist soil.Growth Characteristics
Chinese elm has a medium growth rate. It can reach a height of 50 feet, a trunk diameter of 3 - 4 feet, and a crown width of 40 - 50 feet.Ecological, Economic, or Social Impact
Chinese elm has the potential to impact native species diversity outside of urban areas, given both its natural and man-induced spread.Suggested Control Methods
Stem injections or basal bark applications of triclopyr are most effective for established trees. Seedlings should be pulled by hand. Currently considered relatively resistant to Dutch elm disease and the elm leaf beetle.|
Native Species Alternatives
Below is a list of alternative plants that are native to the area:
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Lists
This species belongs to the following lists:
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Images
To view a larger version of an image, click on the thumbnail. Foliage and flowers of the Chinese elm. Photo courtesy of www.hort.uconn.edu |
 Bark of the Chinese elm. Photo courtesy of www.hort.uconn.edu |
 Foliage of the Chinese elm. Photo courtesy of www.hort.uconn.edu |
 Foliage and fruit of the Chinese elm. Photo courtesy of Alex Robinson, Digital Flora of Texas Vascular Plant Image Library, www.csdl.tamu.edu |
 Bark of the Chinese elm. Photo courtesy of Alex Robinson, Digital Flora of Texas Vascular Plant Image Library, www.csdl.tamu.edu |
 Stems and flowers of the Chinese elm. Photo courtesy of Alex Robinson, Digital Flora of Texas Vascular Plant Image Library, www.csdl.tamu.edu |