tree

Allee Lacebark Elm

Ulmus parvifolia 'Emer Ii'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

600 inches

Width

480 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous tree

Native To

China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Ulmus parvifolia, the Lacebark or Chinese Elm, is a medium to large deciduous tree prized for its handsome exfoliating bark and excellent resistance to Dutch elm disease. It has small, glossy green leaves and a graceful, spreading habit. Allee® ('Emer II') is a superior cultivar selected for its upright, vase-shaped habit reminiscent of the American Elm, combined with striking mottled bark in shades of gray, tan, and orange. It offers a classic silhouette with modern resilience.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The Allee® Lacebark Elm is a premier ornamental tree, offering a graceful vase shape, fine-textured foliage, and most notably, a stunning exfoliating bark that provides year-round, especially winter, interest.

As a fast-growing and tough tree, it is an excellent choice for providing shade in residential yards, parks, and along streets. Its high resistance to Dutch elm disease makes it a reliable replacement for the American Elm.

The tree provides nesting sites and cover for birds. Its dense canopy offers shelter for various forms of wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with ample room to grow.
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
Place the tree so the root flare is at or slightly above ground level.
Backfill with the original soil, breaking up any large clumps.
Water deeply to eliminate air pockets and settle the soil.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, avoiding the trunk.

Pro Tip

Encourage a strong central leader and good branch structure through proper pruning in the first few years to ensure long-term health and beauty.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during its first few seasons to establish deep roots.
Prune during dormancy to maintain a strong structure.
Allow the beautiful bark to develop naturally without interference.
Monitor for pests, though it is generally resilient.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or constantly wet soils.
Avoid excessive fertilization, which can lead to weak growth.
Don't prune major branches during the growing season.
Never top the tree; it ruins its natural form.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stately and resilient street treeMagnificent shade tree for large lawnsArchitectural specimen with stunning winter bark

Companion Plants

Hydrangea paniculata Rudbeckia fulgida Pennisetum alopecuroides Hosta Vinca minor

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Allee Lacebark Elm questions

What zones can Allee Lacebark Elm grow in?

Allee Lacebark Elm is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Allee Lacebark Elm deer resistant?

Yes — Allee Lacebark Elm is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Allee Lacebark Elm bloom?

Allee Lacebark Elm typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Allee Lacebark Elm need full sun?

Allee Lacebark Elm does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Allee Lacebark Elm drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Allee Lacebark Elm handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.