‘Aross Central Park’ Chinese Elm

Abstract

Abstract Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia Jacq.) is an attractive, medium-sized ornamental tree with excellent urban-hardiness and pest resistance. Introduced into cultivation in the late 1700s, this species is commonly grown in parks, lawns, and streetside locations in the southern United States and California. There have been only three Chinese elm cultivars selected in this country (1, 2). Nurserymen have expressed their desire to find a Chinese elm with an increased level of cold hardiness so that the species could be used in cities in the northern United States. The ‘Aross Central Park’ Chinese elm is cold hardy to zone 6 (Arnold Arboretum hardiness zones) and will grow in protected areas in zone 5. Thus, it is the most cold hardy Chinese elm available.