This tree has small leaves, can attain heights of 40' to 50' and is usually rounded or oval in shape. It is a good specimen plant or shade tree, and it makes an excellent bonsai plant. Fall color can be purplish or yellow. Caution! Sometimes the weedy Russian elm is marketed as Chinese elm, especially for use as hedges; make sure you have the true species, Ulmus parvifolia. The Chinese or lacebark elm possesses many fine ornamental attributes: it is resistant to Dutch elm disease, has a nice fine-textured habit and interesting bark and is tolerant of urban conditions. The wonderful bark is a finely flaked and mottled blend of steely gray and peach, speckled with deep rusty-orange spots.