Drake Elm

Drake Elm is a semi-evergreen shade tree, a selection of the Chinese or lacebark elm sold as Ulmus parvifolia 'Drake'. Upright, spreading branches form a broad, rounded crown that develops long, arching branchlets with age, and the bark flakes away in irregular patches of gray, tan, and olive green. Leaves are small, glossy, and dark green. Give it full sun to part shade in USDA zones 7 through 9, where it holds much of its foliage into winter. Expect 40 to 50 feet tall and 35 to 50 feet wide. It grows in sand, loam, or clay, acid or alkaline, tolerates drought once established, and has moderate salt tolerance. Flowers are inconspicuous, and the papery samaras ripen in fall. Compared with other Chinese elms, 'Drake' holds its leaves longer and stays nearly evergreen in Florida and California.