Ulmus japonica, commonly known as Japanese Elm, is a deciduous tree native to various forested areas, including riverbanks, floodplains, and forest margins in East Asia, particularly Japan, Korea, and parts of China. It exhibits a high degree of morphological variability, sometimes appearing as a short, densely branched tree with a broad crown reminiscent of the Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra), or as a tall, single-stemmed tree with a narrow crown akin to the English Elm (Ulmus procera). The Japanese Elm can reach a typical height of 60 to 100 feet (18 to 30 meters) with a spread of 30 to 50 feet (9 to 15 meters). Its leaves are dark green, turning to deep yellow in the autumn, providing a late-season display. The inconspicuous flowers are perfect, meaning they contain both male and female reproductive parts, and are wind-pollinated, appearing in early spring before the leaves.

The Japanese Elm is valued for its adaptability to urban environments, making it a popular choice for street and park plantings. It is tolerant of a range of soil conditions, including dry soils on chalk and waterlogged soils in winter. However, it has a slower growth rate and its foliage emerges late in the season, often not until mid-May. This elm is best grown in full sun and requires medium amounts of water, with the ability to adapt to various drainage conditions. While it is generally resilient, it can be susceptible to Dutch elm disease, which has devastated many elm species. Gardeners should be aware of this risk and consider disease-resistant cultivars or alternative species if this is a concern in their area.CC BY-SA 4.0