Chinese Elm, Lacebark Elm

Ulmus parvifolia

Physical Characteristics

Ulmus parvifolia is a deciduous Tree growing to 18 m (59ft) by 18 m (59ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from March to January, in flower from September to October, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Inner bark Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[105, 177]. Immature fruits, used just after they are formed - raw or cooked[105, 132]. An aromatic, unusual flavour, leaving the mouth feeling fresh and the breath smelling pleasant[132]. It contains about 34.4% protein, 28.2% fat, 17% carbohydrate, 5% ash[132]. Inner bark - cooked. A mucilaginous texture[105, 177]. No more details are given but inner bark is often dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickening in soups etc or mixed with cereals when making bread[K].

Medicinal Uses

Antidote Demulcent Diuretic Expectorant Febrifuge Hypnotic Lithontripic The leaves are antidote and lithontripic[218]. The stem bark is demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, hypnotic and lithontripic[178, 218]. The flowers are used in the treatment of fevers and neuritis[218].

Known Hazards

None known