Japanese Elm
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Vase-shaped, resembling the American Elm, but often grows to only 50' tall. May be wider than tall.

Native Range

Native to China, Mongolia, Korea, Siberia & Japan. Grows in wetlands along streams. First described in 1873, in the hills north of Beijing, China.

Flower and Fruit Details

Perfect, wind-pollinated, apetalous flowers are produced on last year's growth, blooming March-April. Flowering begins around age 9. The fruits are flat samaras that are 3/4" to 1/2" in size. Seed production begins at about age 9.

Leaf and Bark Features

Deciduous: The dense canopy of foliage casts heavy shade. Leaves are simple, alternate, sharp doubly-toothed, acuminate at the tip, obovate to obovate-elliptic, 4" by 2" in size, w/ a rough upper surface. New leaves reddish-purple at emergence. Leaves have 12-16 vein pairs, w/ very short, hairy petioles. Emerging leaves somewhat tolerant of hard freezes of spring. New terminal twigs are greenish-gray, quite hairy. Bark remains smooth for several years, before becoming longitudinally fissured.

Culture and Care

Prefers sheltered, humid conditions. Not flood tolerant. Selective pruning is beneficial to establish a stronger, more structurally stable branching pattern. Performs well on disturbed sites. Tolerates alkaline soils and wet sites, but not standing water. Good resistance to Dutch Elm Disease, elm leaf beetle, elm yellows (elm phloem necrosis) & leafminers.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

3-season interest: Spring, summer & fall. Named for Father Armand David, French missionary & naturalist who introduced the tree to France in the 19th century.

Suggested Uses

Makes a good shade tree or park tree.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA