Golden Chinese Elm
Ulmus parvifolia 'Aurea'
Height: 40 feet
Spread: 30 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 4b
Other Names: Lacebark Elm
Description:
An exceptional shade tree with an arching vase-shaped form, excellent branching structure and a smaller habit than the species; glossy golden leaves mature to medium greeen, then turn bright yellow in fall; flaking bark is interesting
Ornamental Features
Golden Chinese Elm has gold deciduous foliage which emerges yellow in spring on a tree with a round habit of growth. The small glossy pointy leaves turn an outstanding yellow in the fall. The mottled dark gray bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.
Landscape Attributes
Golden Chinese Elm is a deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. 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.
Golden Chinese Elm is recommended for the following landscape applications;
Planting & Growing
Golden Chinese Elm will grow to be about 40 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 30 feet. It has a high canopy with a typical clearance of 6 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.