Tree
Evergreen elm
Ulmus parvifolia · Ulmaceae
Also called: Chinese elm, Chinese evergreen elm, Lacebark elm
Evergreen elm (Ulmus parvifolia) is a moderate-water tree well suited to Tucson and the low desert. It thrives in full sun. Expect inconspicuous (not ornamental) blooms Inconspicuous small flowers in late summer to fall, followed by small winged se…
Evergreen elm at a glance
- Water use
- Moderate (established)
- Sun
- Full sun.
- Mature size
- 40-60 ft tall and 50-70 ft wide (size depends heavily on water and soil); broad, arching, semi-evergreen to evergreen canopy in Tucson.
- Growth rate
- Fast (can reach 30 ft in about 5 years)
- Bloom
- Inconspicuous (not ornamental), Inconspicuous small flowers in late summer to fall, followed by small winged seeds (samaras).
- Cold hardiness
- Hardy well below freezing; fully hardy in Tucson. Semi-evergreen here, dropping some leaves briefly in cold winters; no frost protection needed.
- Soil
- Tolerates a wide range of soils including clay and alkaline desert soils; performs best with good drainage and consistent moisture.
- Native range
- Native to China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. (Note: distinct from the weedy, invasive Siberian elm, Ulmus pumila.)
- Best used as
- Large shade tree, Patio, lawn, and street tree, Quick canopy for new landscapes
- Wildlife
- Provides dense shade and bird cover/nesting; seeds eaten by some birds.
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic to people and pets.
How to grow Evergreen elm in Tucson & the low desert
Watering
Not a true desert drought-tolerant tree; needs deep, regular irrigation spring through early fall in Tucson (roughly weekly to every 10 days in peak summer for a large canopy), with deep infrequent watering to push roots down. Tolerates extra water in turf areas; reduce watering in winter.
Fertilizer & nutrients
Moderate feeder. Apply a balanced or slow-release tree fertilizer in spring; supplement with iron chelate as needed, since alkaline desert soil can cause chlorosis on this species.
Pruning & care
Stake and selectively prune young trees in winter to develop strong scaffold structure and reduce wind damage from the dense, fast-growing canopy. Thin mature canopies periodically to reduce wind resistance; avoid heavy topping.
Notes
Fast, dense shade tree for larger Tucson landscapes, but its size, surface roots, and high water demand make it unsuitable for small or unirrigated lots. Brittle wood and a heavy canopy make wind-thinning and early structural pruning important. Do not confuse with the invasive Siberian elm (U. pumila).
Sources: AMWUA / Water Use It Wisely - Evergreen Elm; University of Arizona Cooperative Extension; Civano Nursery / Horticulture Unlimited (Tucson) plant guides