Lacebark elms are beautiful. With their attractive shape, thin texture and medium size, they also make perfect shade trees. When young, the tree’s canopy of small leaves casts a dappled shade, and when mature a solid shade. The mottled bark creates colorful patterns which have visual appeal. The tree I see most is where I work, at Youth Villages’ Inner Harbour campus in Douglasville, Georgia. Lady bug-like insects that kids like to play with are drawn to the tree, as well as colorful birds which provide interest in the dead of winter. The tree I see is perfect for the site in which it was planted, as a showpiece. Most people would love to have this tree in their yard.
The lacebark elm, also known as Chinese elm, has scientific name Ulmus parvifolia. It is native to China, India, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. This deciduous tree requires full sun to best develop its attractive features, but it also grows in partial shade. It likes well-drained soil, but requires little care. The lacebark elm is resistant to Dutch elm disease and most other diseases that plague the American elm. The tree grows well in harsh conditions, tolerating poor soil and dry conditions, and is considered the hardiest of the elms.
The lacebark elm is a medium to fast growing tree. It can grow to about 60 feet tall and has a crown as wide. The trunk can grow to 3 to 4 feet in diameter. Orange lenticels can be seen on trunk and 
branches. The trunk and branches have smooth bark with random exfoliating patches that leave eye- catching spots of brown, orange, gray, tan, or green. The lacebark elm gets its name from this feature. The tree has pendulous branches of elliptical and serrated leaves that are shiny dark green and ¾ inches to 2 inches long. Twigs on limbs are alternate, and leaves are alternate on the twigs. These leaves turn dull yellow to purple in fall, and may remain on the tree into winter.
The lacebark elm forms perfect flowers that possess both male and female parts, but they are small and barely noticeable. These flowers 
appear in August or September, and are yellow-green. They are pollinated by the wind. The flowers produce clusters of flat, round and green samaras, which are seeds with wings. The samaras mature rapidly, hanging on a short stem, and are dispersed by late autumn. When the samaras sprout, they grow quickly if left to do so.
The lacebark elm is considered by many to be a great specimen tree, with excellent characteristics. However, there is concern that this tree will be another exotic invasive due to its proliferation of sprouts. Tree litter drops over a long period which may be a nuisance. Spreading roots may cause problems. Some people report respiratory allergies when around the tree. If you keep these 
drawbacks in mind, the lacebark elm is a great tree to consider for use as a landscape showpiece.
