Commonly known as Chinese elm, Ulmus parvifolia is a species native to eastern Asia, including China, India, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. It is a medium to large tree with a moderate to fast growth rate depending on prevailing environmental conditions. This beautiful tree is surprisingly underutilized in landscaping projects. It has a graceful, upright, rounded canopy made up of long, arching, and somewhat weeping branches.

The Chinese elm is semi-deciduous in cold areas and evergreen in warmer areas. In cold climates, the foliage turns gold before dropping for the dormant phase. The leaves are simple, serrated and are usually not symmetrical.  The bark is mottled grey, green and orange cracking into small jigsaw-like pieces showing an orange-red layer underneath. Flowers are both male and female, but have no petals. The fruit is a samara which is elliptical to ovate-elliptical, it matures rapidly.

Ulmus parvifolia makes a stunning feature tree, park tree, it is also suitable for avenues. This species is quite tolerant of drought and poor soil; hence its use in urban situations. Large Chinese elm trees provide excellent shade and protection for structures. In addition to being wind resistant, elms are hardy, suited to cold climates, and tolerant of adverse conditions and pollution. They have a long-life cycle.