Ulmus parvifolia Seeds | Chinese Elm
LATIN NAME: Ulmus parvifolia
COMMON NAME: Chinese Elm
Plant Profile
Ulmus parvifolia, commonly known as Chinese Elm, is a tree in the elm family, native to China, Japan, north korea and vietnam. The Chinese elm mottles fine, mottled bark with small, glossy leaves and neat, rounded crown, the whole tree carrying the tidy, elegant look of the small elms. Bark flakes in patchwork of greys, greens, and browns, and leaves hold deep green through the summer. It likes sun, and deep, well-drained soil. Each of these traits is modest on its own; together they make a garden-worthy plant.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the elm family, Ulmus parvifolia is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. In the elm family, the Chinese elm holds a recognised place in studies of urban trees and bonsai subjects. Modern propagation practice has made this species straightforward to raise by ordinary good methods.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Chinese Elm for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. In city garden and bonsai tray alike, the Chinese elm keeps tidy grace. Mottled, flaking bark and neat, rounded crown give elegant structure, tree stands heat, drought and pollution well, and it takes hard pruning for bonsai and the hedge.Sow Chinese elm seeds in a sandy, gritty loam kept moist in bright, cool spot. Given the right start, it carries on with minimal intervention.
Slippery elm inner bark is a soothing demulcent powder for throats and digestion, a staple of North American herbalism; the great elms also gave cities their cathedral avenues before Dutch elm disease.
Growing from Seed
Chinese Elm grows readily from seed. Fill a pot with a light seed compost, sow evenly on the surface, cover thinly and stand it somewhere warm, bright and evenly moist. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
It comes from china, japan, north korea and vietnam, which is the best clue to the conditions it enjoys in cultivation. Start with fresh seed, keep it evenly moist, and the plant does the rest itself.
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