DRAKE ELM

The Chinese Elm, also known as Drake Elm, is a remarkable and resilient tree that thrives in urban environments. Its ability to withstand city air and soils, along with its resistance to Dutch elm disease, makes it an outstanding choice for small landscapes seeking shade. This fast-growing and adaptable tree is celebrated for its stunning bark, which displays a captivating mix of green, gray, orange, and brown hues that flake off in delicate plates. The Chinese Elm often forms a vase shape reminiscent of the American elm due to its forked trunk.

Reaching heights of 40-50 feet (12.2-15.2 meters), this tree’s leaves are characteristic of elms—about 2 inches (5.1 cm) long with an elliptic shape, toothed edges, prominent veins, and uneven bases. In mild climates, the Chinese Elm is nearly evergreen as it sheds leaves slowly over time. Unlike most elms that produce winged samaras in springtime, this species bears fruit in the fall with flat papery samaras about 1/3 inch (0.8 cm) wide clustered densely together.

With numerous cultivars available highlighting variations in form size bark color cold hardiness or foliage features—the adaptability of the Chinese Elm extends across different soil types requiring regular garden watering though less drought-tolerant than Siberian elms—and thrives best under full sun or partial shade within USDA Zones 5 through 9.

However earnest consideration must be given before planting: these trees are prolific re-seeders potentially invasive disrupting native plant populations; thus checking local guidelines on their impact becomes crucial prior to introducing them into your landscape setting!