Suggested Native Replacements:
- American hornbeam, Ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana)
- Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida)
- Fringetree, Old man's beard (Chionanthus virginicus)
- Ironwood, Eastern hop-hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)
- Northern red oak (Quercus rubra)
- Red maple (Acer rubrum)
- River birch, Red birch (Betula nigra)
- Sugar maple (Acer saccharum)
Common Name
Chinese elm
Plant Form
Medium Trees
Considered Invasive by the State of Virginia?
No
Threat Level
Not Applicable
Additional Info
Notes: The Chinese & Siberian Elms (Ulmus parviflora & U. pumila) were introduced in the 1860s for their hardiness, fast growth, and adaptability and are still sold as shade and windbreak trees. Their quickly developing fruits can be dispersed by wind away from landscape plantings, and grasslands and stream banks are vulnerable to infestation. The trees are classified as invasive in 25 states, including Virginia, and are locally prolific.
iNaturalist Research-grade Observations