Recommended only in Zone 5b. An interesting, odd, small, native tree. Chinese elm very fast 40 x 30 Hardy Zone 4. Well known, but under many names. Noted for its tolerance to almost any level of air or soil pollution and its very fast growth.
Leaves have an unpleasant odor when crushed.
Flowers of male trees smell like carrion. Some old cultivars were pleasantly fragrant, but were just as fragile. Thrives where nothing else will. Native in southeastern half of Iowa in moist upland soils. Can be considered either a small tree or a very large shrub.