Drake Elm Tree
Regular price
$895.00
Size
The Perfect Fast-Growing Shade Tree for Modern Landscapes
The Drake Elm Tree is a fast-growing, durable shade tree for homeowners who want quick canopy, refined texture, and year-round visual interest without the maintenance problems common to many traditional elms.
Also known as Ulmus parvifolia ‘Drake’, Chinese elm, or lacebark elm, this cultivar creates generous shade, develops beautiful mottled bark, and adapts well to modern yards, streetscapes, and urban planting areas. If you want a tree that can grow quickly now and remain useful for the future, Drake Elm is a strong fit.
Why You’ll Love It
-
Fast shade, faster results – The Drake elm (Ulmus parvifolia ‘Drake’) is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters) and a spread of 35 to 50 feet (10 to 15 meters).
-
Low-maintenance once established – Once established, the Drake Elm is highly drought-tolerant and can manage occasional brief flooding, helping reduce long-term watering demands.
-
Beautiful bark in every season – The Drake elm tree features a unique mottled bark that displays shades of grey, green, orange, and brown, adding visual interest to its appearance.
-
Built for tough landscapes – This tree is known for its resilience, being tolerant of heat, drought, and wind, making it suitable for urban environments.
-
Graceful canopy shape – Drake elms have a rounded to weeping vase shape, characterized by long arching branches that create a graceful and charming canopy.
Its small, dark green leaves create a dense green canopy in spring and summer, while the exfoliating trunk and branches keep the tree attractive after leaf drop in colder climates. In mild California areas, Drake may hold foliage longer than many deciduous trees.
What Makes It Different
Most shade trees either grow slowly, demand perfect soil, or come with major pest and disease concerns. Drake Elm is built differently.
-
Adapts to difficult soil – Drake elms are adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, and can thrive in both acidic and alkaline conditions.
-
Handles city conditions – The Drake Elm has high tolerance for urban air pollution and compacted soils, making it suitable for city landscapes.
-
Offers ornamental bark, not just shade – Its lacebark elm character gives the trunk a layered mix of grey, green, orange, and brown shades that most deciduous shade trees cannot match.
-
Outperforms many traditional elms – Compared with many American elms, Drake offers better disease resilience and a more manageable mature size for modern properties.
-
Fits a wide climate range – Drake elms thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, making them suitable for a variety of climates.
For best performance, remember that this variety still needs smart placement. The aggressive, shallow root system of the Drake Elm can damage sidewalks, driveways, and sewer lines if planted too close to structures. Give this tree enough area to grow wide, tall, and strong.
How To Grow The Drake Elm Tree Successfully
-
Choose the right planting site
Select a full sun location with room for the mature canopy. Drake elms can grow up to 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide, so it’s important to provide them with enough space when planting. Avoid tight spots near sidewalks, driveways, sewer lines, and overhead utilities. -
Plant in well drained soil and water deeply
Prepare a wide planting hole, keep the root flare at grade, backfill with native soil, and mulch around the tree without piling mulch against the trunk. These trees require full sun and adequate watering during the growing season to ensure healthy growth, especially during the first year while new growth and roots establish. -
Train the structure as the canopy develops
As the Drake elm grows, prune early to create a strong central leader and balanced branch spacing. Branches of the Drake Elm can snap or drop during storms if not properly pruned to maintain a strong central leader.
With the right start, Drake develops into a great shade tree with arching branches, a rounded canopy, and textured bark that improves with time.
Tree Specifications
-
Botanical name: Ulmus parvifolia ‘Drake’
-
Common names: Drake elm, Drake Chinese elm, lacebark elm
-
Tree type: Fast-growing deciduous to semi-evergreen shade tree, depending on climate
-
Mature size: The Drake elm (Ulmus parvifolia ‘Drake’) is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters) and a spread of 35 to 50 feet (10 to 15 meters).
-
Additional size note: Drake elms can grow up to 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide, so it’s important to provide them with enough space when planting.
-
Shape: Drake elms have a rounded to weeping vase shape, characterized by long arching branches that create a graceful and charming canopy.
-
Leaves: The leaves of the Drake elm are small, dark green, and toothed, typically measuring around 2 inches (5 cm) long, with prominent veins that enhance their ornamental appeal.
-
Flowers and fruit: Drake elm trees produce small, winged samaras that appear in the spring, which are flat and papery, adding to the tree’s ornamental characteristics.
-
Self-seeding note: The tree produces millions of winged samaras, leading to aggressive self-seeding that can create maintenance challenges.
-
Bark: The Drake elm tree features a unique mottled bark that displays shades of grey, green, orange, and brown, adding visual interest to its appearance.
-
Sun exposure: Full sun is best, though partial sun may be tolerated in some locations.
-
Soil requirements: Drake elms are adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, and can thrive in both acidic and alkaline conditions. Well drained soil is preferred.
-
Urban tolerance: The Drake Elm has high tolerance for urban air pollution and compacted soils, making it suitable for city landscapes.
-
Weather tolerance: This tree is known for its resilience, being tolerant of heat, drought, and wind, making it suitable for urban environments.
-
Drought tolerance: Once established, the Drake Elm is highly drought-tolerant and can manage occasional brief flooding.
-
Hardiness: It thrives best in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9 and can tolerate cold down to roughly 5°F.
-
Broader zone range: Drake elms thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, making them suitable for a variety of climates.
-
Growth rate: Medium-fast to fast, often producing noticeable new growth each year under good care.
-
Care needs: Prune young trees to build structure, manage seedlings, and avoid planting too close to hardscape or utilities.
Who It’s For
Ideal for:
-
California homeowners who want a fast-growing shade tree with dark green foliage and long-season beauty, and who may also be comparing flowering trees for curb appeal and seasonal color
-
Property owners with urban or suburban soil challenges, including clay, compacted soil, heat, and wind exposure, who may also benefit from versatile options like Fern Pine privacy and shade trees
-
Landscape designers creating drought-tolerant installations with strong structure and year-round bark interest who want quick access to evergreen, fast-growing, and privacy trees for layered planting plans
-
Homeowners wanting a specimen tree with a textured trunk, arching branches, and a wide canopy, or those considering mature trees for instant shade and structure
-
Anyone planning for the future who wants quick landscape transformation without choosing a fragile tree
Drake Elm is also a great option if you are wondering which elms perform well in tough environments. Native to parts of China, Japan, and Korea, Ulmus parvifolia has also become familiar to many plant lovers through bonsai and through other selections like the True Green Chinese Elm and the broader Chinese Elm shade tree, though Drake is best known as a full-size landscape cultivar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Drake Elm easy to plant and establish?
Yes. Drake is relatively easy to establish when planted in full sun, well drained soil, and a properly sized area. Water consistently during the first growing season, then reduce watering as the tree becomes established.
How much water does a Drake Elm need?
These trees require full sun and adequate watering during the growing season to ensure healthy growth. Once established, the Drake Elm is highly drought-tolerant and can manage occasional brief flooding.
Will Drake Elm seedlings become a problem?
They can. The tree produces millions of winged samaras, leading to aggressive self-seeding that can create maintenance challenges. If seedlings appear, remove them early before they develop strong roots.
Is Drake Elm resistant to pests and disease?
Drake is considered a hardy Chinese elm cultivar with strong resilience compared with many traditional elms. It is also tolerant of heat, drought, wind, urban air pollution, and compacted soils, making it suitable for demanding landscapes.
Can Drake Elm damage sidewalks or pipes?
Yes, placement matters. The aggressive, shallow root system of the Drake Elm can damage sidewalks, driveways, and sewer lines if planted too close to structures. Leave generous planting space and ask for site-specific tips before ordering.
Can Yardwork help me decide if Drake Elm is right for my area?
Yes. Visit Yardwork to review tree details, hear recommendations for your site, and find support with delivery, guarantee information, consultation services, and soil testing before planting.
Ready to Transform Your Landscape?
Stop waiting years for a slow-growing shade tree to mature. Choose Drake Elm and create a cooler, greener, more beautiful outdoor space with a fast-growing tree known for graceful form, durable performance, and standout bark, or compare it with compact options like the Rocky Mountain Glow Maple shade tree for smaller spaces.
Order your Drake Elm Tree through Yardwork and move forward with confidence, or explore Yardwork’s online plant nursery and landscape support for even more options.
Yardwork also offers consultation services and soil testing support to help you plant in the right place, improve establishment, and enjoy your tree for years to come, whether you’re adding productive citrus fruit trees for your landscape or complementary shade companions like the California Pepper Tree and other featured trees.
The Perfect Fast-Growing Shade Tree for Modern Landscapes
The Drake Elm Tree is a fast-growing, durable shade tree for homeowners who want quick canopy, refined texture, and year-round visual interest without the maintenance problems common to many traditional elms.
Also known as Ulmus parvifolia ‘Drake’, Chinese elm, or lacebark elm, this cultivar creates generous shade, develops beautiful mottled bark, and adapts well to modern yards, streetscapes, and urban planting areas. If you want a tree that can grow quickly now and remain useful for the future, Drake Elm is a strong fit.
Why You’ll Love It
-
Fast shade, faster results – The Drake elm (Ulmus parvifolia ‘Drake’) is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters) and a spread of 35 to 50 feet (10 to 15 meters).
-
Low-maintenance once established – Once established, the Drake Elm is highly drought-tolerant and can manage occasional brief flooding, helping reduce long-term watering demands.
-
Beautiful bark in every season – The Drake elm tree features a unique mottled bark that displays shades of grey, green, orange, and brown, adding visual interest to its appearance.
-
Built for tough landscapes – This tree is known for its resilience, being tolerant of heat, drought, and wind, making it suitable for urban environments.
-
Graceful canopy shape – Drake elms have a rounded to weeping vase shape, characterized by long arching branches that create a graceful and charming canopy.
Its small, dark green leaves create a dense green canopy in spring and summer, while the exfoliating trunk and branches keep the tree attractive after leaf drop in colder climates. In mild California areas, Drake may hold foliage longer than many deciduous trees.
What Makes It Different
Most shade trees either grow slowly, demand perfect soil, or come with major pest and disease concerns. Drake Elm is built differently.
-
Adapts to difficult soil – Drake elms are adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, and can thrive in both acidic and alkaline conditions.
-
Handles city conditions – The Drake Elm has high tolerance for urban air pollution and compacted soils, making it suitable for city landscapes.
-
Offers ornamental bark, not just shade – Its lacebark elm character gives the trunk a layered mix of grey, green, orange, and brown shades that most deciduous shade trees cannot match.
-
Outperforms many traditional elms – Compared with many American elms, Drake offers better disease resilience and a more manageable mature size for modern properties.
-
Fits a wide climate range – Drake elms thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, making them suitable for a variety of climates.
For best performance, remember that this variety still needs smart placement. The aggressive, shallow root system of the Drake Elm can damage sidewalks, driveways, and sewer lines if planted too close to structures. Give this tree enough area to grow wide, tall, and strong.
How To Grow The Drake Elm Tree Successfully
-
Choose the right planting site
Select a full sun location with room for the mature canopy. Drake elms can grow up to 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide, so it’s important to provide them with enough space when planting. Avoid tight spots near sidewalks, driveways, sewer lines, and overhead utilities. -
Plant in well drained soil and water deeply
Prepare a wide planting hole, keep the root flare at grade, backfill with native soil, and mulch around the tree without piling mulch against the trunk. These trees require full sun and adequate watering during the growing season to ensure healthy growth, especially during the first year while new growth and roots establish. -
Train the structure as the canopy develops
As the Drake elm grows, prune early to create a strong central leader and balanced branch spacing. Branches of the Drake Elm can snap or drop during storms if not properly pruned to maintain a strong central leader.
With the right start, Drake develops into a great shade tree with arching branches, a rounded canopy, and textured bark that improves with time.
Tree Specifications
-
Botanical name: Ulmus parvifolia ‘Drake’
-
Common names: Drake elm, Drake Chinese elm, lacebark elm
-
Tree type: Fast-growing deciduous to semi-evergreen shade tree, depending on climate
-
Mature size: The Drake elm (Ulmus parvifolia ‘Drake’) is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters) and a spread of 35 to 50 feet (10 to 15 meters).
-
Additional size note: Drake elms can grow up to 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide, so it’s important to provide them with enough space when planting.
-
Shape: Drake elms have a rounded to weeping vase shape, characterized by long arching branches that create a graceful and charming canopy.
-
Leaves: The leaves of the Drake elm are small, dark green, and toothed, typically measuring around 2 inches (5 cm) long, with prominent veins that enhance their ornamental appeal.
-
Flowers and fruit: Drake elm trees produce small, winged samaras that appear in the spring, which are flat and papery, adding to the tree’s ornamental characteristics.
-
Self-seeding note: The tree produces millions of winged samaras, leading to aggressive self-seeding that can create maintenance challenges.
-
Bark: The Drake elm tree features a unique mottled bark that displays shades of grey, green, orange, and brown, adding visual interest to its appearance.
-
Sun exposure: Full sun is best, though partial sun may be tolerated in some locations.
-
Soil requirements: Drake elms are adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, and can thrive in both acidic and alkaline conditions. Well drained soil is preferred.
-
Urban tolerance: The Drake Elm has high tolerance for urban air pollution and compacted soils, making it suitable for city landscapes.
-
Weather tolerance: This tree is known for its resilience, being tolerant of heat, drought, and wind, making it suitable for urban environments.
-
Drought tolerance: Once established, the Drake Elm is highly drought-tolerant and can manage occasional brief flooding.
-
Hardiness: It thrives best in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9 and can tolerate cold down to roughly 5°F.
-
Broader zone range: Drake elms thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, making them suitable for a variety of climates.
-
Growth rate: Medium-fast to fast, often producing noticeable new growth each year under good care.
-
Care needs: Prune young trees to build structure, manage seedlings, and avoid planting too close to hardscape or utilities.
Who It’s For
Ideal for:
-
California homeowners who want a fast-growing shade tree with dark green foliage and long-season beauty, and who may also be comparing flowering trees for curb appeal and seasonal color
-
Property owners with urban or suburban soil challenges, including clay, compacted soil, heat, and wind exposure, who may also benefit from versatile options like Fern Pine privacy and shade trees
-
Landscape designers creating drought-tolerant installations with strong structure and year-round bark interest who want quick access to evergreen, fast-growing, and privacy trees for layered planting plans
-
Homeowners wanting a specimen tree with a textured trunk, arching branches, and a wide canopy, or those considering mature trees for instant shade and structure
-
Anyone planning for the future who wants quick landscape transformation without choosing a fragile tree
Drake Elm is also a great option if you are wondering which elms perform well in tough environments. Native to parts of China, Japan, and Korea, Ulmus parvifolia has also become familiar to many plant lovers through bonsai and through other selections like the True Green Chinese Elm and the broader Chinese Elm shade tree, though Drake is best known as a full-size landscape cultivar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Drake Elm easy to plant and establish?
Yes. Drake is relatively easy to establish when planted in full sun, well drained soil, and a properly sized area. Water consistently during the first growing season, then reduce watering as the tree becomes established.
How much water does a Drake Elm need?
These trees require full sun and adequate watering during the growing season to ensure healthy growth. Once established, the Drake Elm is highly drought-tolerant and can manage occasional brief flooding.
Will Drake Elm seedlings become a problem?
They can. The tree produces millions of winged samaras, leading to aggressive self-seeding that can create maintenance challenges. If seedlings appear, remove them early before they develop strong roots.
Is Drake Elm resistant to pests and disease?
Drake is considered a hardy Chinese elm cultivar with strong resilience compared with many traditional elms. It is also tolerant of heat, drought, wind, urban air pollution, and compacted soils, making it suitable for demanding landscapes.
Can Drake Elm damage sidewalks or pipes?
Yes, placement matters. The aggressive, shallow root system of the Drake Elm can damage sidewalks, driveways, and sewer lines if planted too close to structures. Leave generous planting space and ask for site-specific tips before ordering.
Can Yardwork help me decide if Drake Elm is right for my area?
Yes. Visit Yardwork to review tree details, hear recommendations for your site, and find support with delivery, guarantee information, consultation services, and soil testing before planting.
Ready to Transform Your Landscape?
Stop waiting years for a slow-growing shade tree to mature. Choose Drake Elm and create a cooler, greener, more beautiful outdoor space with a fast-growing tree known for graceful form, durable performance, and standout bark, or compare it with compact options like the Rocky Mountain Glow Maple shade tree for smaller spaces.
Order your Drake Elm Tree through Yardwork and move forward with confidence, or explore Yardwork’s online plant nursery and landscape support for even more options.
Yardwork also offers consultation services and soil testing support to help you plant in the right place, improve establishment, and enjoy your tree for years to come, whether you’re adding productive citrus fruit trees for your landscape or complementary shade companions like the California Pepper Tree and other featured trees.
Plants vary greatly by type and no guarantees are made on sizing.
However here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
48" Box Tree 10-12 Ft. Tall
Please note: Citrus and California Native plants such as Manzanita are smaller than traditional sizing.
Please contact us to confirm sizing of items before purchasing if this is a concern.
Plants vary greatly by type and no guarantees are made on sizing.
However here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
48" Box Tree 10-12 Ft. Tall
Please note: Citrus and California Native plants such as Manzanita are smaller than traditional sizing.
Please contact us to confirm sizing of items before purchasing if this is a concern.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants larger than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside.
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes larger than a 24" box size will require equipment and an operator onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants larger than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside.
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes larger than a 24" box size will require equipment and an operator onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee.
You may also like...
Drake Elm Tree
Regular price
$895.00
Size
The Perfect Fast-Growing Shade Tree for Modern Landscapes
The Drake Elm Tree is a fast-growing, durable shade tree for homeowners who want quick canopy, refined texture, and year-round visual interest without the maintenance problems common to many traditional elms.
Also known as Ulmus parvifolia ‘Drake’, Chinese elm, or lacebark elm, this cultivar creates generous shade, develops beautiful mottled bark, and adapts well to modern yards, streetscapes, and urban planting areas. If you want a tree that can grow quickly now and remain useful for the future, Drake Elm is a strong fit.
Why You’ll Love It
-
Fast shade, faster results – The Drake elm (Ulmus parvifolia ‘Drake’) is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters) and a spread of 35 to 50 feet (10 to 15 meters).
-
Low-maintenance once established – Once established, the Drake Elm is highly drought-tolerant and can manage occasional brief flooding, helping reduce long-term watering demands.
-
Beautiful bark in every season – The Drake elm tree features a unique mottled bark that displays shades of grey, green, orange, and brown, adding visual interest to its appearance.
-
Built for tough landscapes – This tree is known for its resilience, being tolerant of heat, drought, and wind, making it suitable for urban environments.
-
Graceful canopy shape – Drake elms have a rounded to weeping vase shape, characterized by long arching branches that create a graceful and charming canopy.
Its small, dark green leaves create a dense green canopy in spring and summer, while the exfoliating trunk and branches keep the tree attractive after leaf drop in colder climates. In mild California areas, Drake may hold foliage longer than many deciduous trees.
What Makes It Different
Most shade trees either grow slowly, demand perfect soil, or come with major pest and disease concerns. Drake Elm is built differently.
-
Adapts to difficult soil – Drake elms are adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, and can thrive in both acidic and alkaline conditions.
-
Handles city conditions – The Drake Elm has high tolerance for urban air pollution and compacted soils, making it suitable for city landscapes.
-
Offers ornamental bark, not just shade – Its lacebark elm character gives the trunk a layered mix of grey, green, orange, and brown shades that most deciduous shade trees cannot match.
-
Outperforms many traditional elms – Compared with many American elms, Drake offers better disease resilience and a more manageable mature size for modern properties.
-
Fits a wide climate range – Drake elms thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, making them suitable for a variety of climates.
For best performance, remember that this variety still needs smart placement. The aggressive, shallow root system of the Drake Elm can damage sidewalks, driveways, and sewer lines if planted too close to structures. Give this tree enough area to grow wide, tall, and strong.
How To Grow The Drake Elm Tree Successfully
-
Choose the right planting site
Select a full sun location with room for the mature canopy. Drake elms can grow up to 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide, so it’s important to provide them with enough space when planting. Avoid tight spots near sidewalks, driveways, sewer lines, and overhead utilities. -
Plant in well drained soil and water deeply
Prepare a wide planting hole, keep the root flare at grade, backfill with native soil, and mulch around the tree without piling mulch against the trunk. These trees require full sun and adequate watering during the growing season to ensure healthy growth, especially during the first year while new growth and roots establish. -
Train the structure as the canopy develops
As the Drake elm grows, prune early to create a strong central leader and balanced branch spacing. Branches of the Drake Elm can snap or drop during storms if not properly pruned to maintain a strong central leader.
With the right start, Drake develops into a great shade tree with arching branches, a rounded canopy, and textured bark that improves with time.
Tree Specifications
-
Botanical name: Ulmus parvifolia ‘Drake’
-
Common names: Drake elm, Drake Chinese elm, lacebark elm
-
Tree type: Fast-growing deciduous to semi-evergreen shade tree, depending on climate
-
Mature size: The Drake elm (Ulmus parvifolia ‘Drake’) is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters) and a spread of 35 to 50 feet (10 to 15 meters).
-
Additional size note: Drake elms can grow up to 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide, so it’s important to provide them with enough space when planting.
-
Shape: Drake elms have a rounded to weeping vase shape, characterized by long arching branches that create a graceful and charming canopy.
-
Leaves: The leaves of the Drake elm are small, dark green, and toothed, typically measuring around 2 inches (5 cm) long, with prominent veins that enhance their ornamental appeal.
-
Flowers and fruit: Drake elm trees produce small, winged samaras that appear in the spring, which are flat and papery, adding to the tree’s ornamental characteristics.
-
Self-seeding note: The tree produces millions of winged samaras, leading to aggressive self-seeding that can create maintenance challenges.
-
Bark: The Drake elm tree features a unique mottled bark that displays shades of grey, green, orange, and brown, adding visual interest to its appearance.
-
Sun exposure: Full sun is best, though partial sun may be tolerated in some locations.
-
Soil requirements: Drake elms are adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, and can thrive in both acidic and alkaline conditions. Well drained soil is preferred.
-
Urban tolerance: The Drake Elm has high tolerance for urban air pollution and compacted soils, making it suitable for city landscapes.
-
Weather tolerance: This tree is known for its resilience, being tolerant of heat, drought, and wind, making it suitable for urban environments.
-
Drought tolerance: Once established, the Drake Elm is highly drought-tolerant and can manage occasional brief flooding.
-
Hardiness: It thrives best in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9 and can tolerate cold down to roughly 5°F.
-
Broader zone range: Drake elms thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, making them suitable for a variety of climates.
-
Growth rate: Medium-fast to fast, often producing noticeable new growth each year under good care.
-
Care needs: Prune young trees to build structure, manage seedlings, and avoid planting too close to hardscape or utilities.
Who It’s For
Ideal for:
-
California homeowners who want a fast-growing shade tree with dark green foliage and long-season beauty, and who may also be comparing flowering trees for curb appeal and seasonal color
-
Property owners with urban or suburban soil challenges, including clay, compacted soil, heat, and wind exposure, who may also benefit from versatile options like Fern Pine privacy and shade trees
-
Landscape designers creating drought-tolerant installations with strong structure and year-round bark interest who want quick access to evergreen, fast-growing, and privacy trees for layered planting plans
-
Homeowners wanting a specimen tree with a textured trunk, arching branches, and a wide canopy, or those considering mature trees for instant shade and structure
-
Anyone planning for the future who wants quick landscape transformation without choosing a fragile tree
Drake Elm is also a great option if you are wondering which elms perform well in tough environments. Native to parts of China, Japan, and Korea, Ulmus parvifolia has also become familiar to many plant lovers through bonsai and through other selections like the True Green Chinese Elm and the broader Chinese Elm shade tree, though Drake is best known as a full-size landscape cultivar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Drake Elm easy to plant and establish?
Yes. Drake is relatively easy to establish when planted in full sun, well drained soil, and a properly sized area. Water consistently during the first growing season, then reduce watering as the tree becomes established.
How much water does a Drake Elm need?
These trees require full sun and adequate watering during the growing season to ensure healthy growth. Once established, the Drake Elm is highly drought-tolerant and can manage occasional brief flooding.
Will Drake Elm seedlings become a problem?
They can. The tree produces millions of winged samaras, leading to aggressive self-seeding that can create maintenance challenges. If seedlings appear, remove them early before they develop strong roots.
Is Drake Elm resistant to pests and disease?
Drake is considered a hardy Chinese elm cultivar with strong resilience compared with many traditional elms. It is also tolerant of heat, drought, wind, urban air pollution, and compacted soils, making it suitable for demanding landscapes.
Can Drake Elm damage sidewalks or pipes?
Yes, placement matters. The aggressive, shallow root system of the Drake Elm can damage sidewalks, driveways, and sewer lines if planted too close to structures. Leave generous planting space and ask for site-specific tips before ordering.
Can Yardwork help me decide if Drake Elm is right for my area?
Yes. Visit Yardwork to review tree details, hear recommendations for your site, and find support with delivery, guarantee information, consultation services, and soil testing before planting.
Ready to Transform Your Landscape?
Stop waiting years for a slow-growing shade tree to mature. Choose Drake Elm and create a cooler, greener, more beautiful outdoor space with a fast-growing tree known for graceful form, durable performance, and standout bark, or compare it with compact options like the Rocky Mountain Glow Maple shade tree for smaller spaces.
Order your Drake Elm Tree through Yardwork and move forward with confidence, or explore Yardwork’s online plant nursery and landscape support for even more options.
Yardwork also offers consultation services and soil testing support to help you plant in the right place, improve establishment, and enjoy your tree for years to come, whether you’re adding productive citrus fruit trees for your landscape or complementary shade companions like the California Pepper Tree and other featured trees.
The Perfect Fast-Growing Shade Tree for Modern Landscapes
The Drake Elm Tree is a fast-growing, durable shade tree for homeowners who want quick canopy, refined texture, and year-round visual interest without the maintenance problems common to many traditional elms.
Also known as Ulmus parvifolia ‘Drake’, Chinese elm, or lacebark elm, this cultivar creates generous shade, develops beautiful mottled bark, and adapts well to modern yards, streetscapes, and urban planting areas. If you want a tree that can grow quickly now and remain useful for the future, Drake Elm is a strong fit.
Why You’ll Love It
-
Fast shade, faster results – The Drake elm (Ulmus parvifolia ‘Drake’) is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters) and a spread of 35 to 50 feet (10 to 15 meters).
-
Low-maintenance once established – Once established, the Drake Elm is highly drought-tolerant and can manage occasional brief flooding, helping reduce long-term watering demands.
-
Beautiful bark in every season – The Drake elm tree features a unique mottled bark that displays shades of grey, green, orange, and brown, adding visual interest to its appearance.
-
Built for tough landscapes – This tree is known for its resilience, being tolerant of heat, drought, and wind, making it suitable for urban environments.
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Graceful canopy shape – Drake elms have a rounded to weeping vase shape, characterized by long arching branches that create a graceful and charming canopy.
Its small, dark green leaves create a dense green canopy in spring and summer, while the exfoliating trunk and branches keep the tree attractive after leaf drop in colder climates. In mild California areas, Drake may hold foliage longer than many deciduous trees.
What Makes It Different
Most shade trees either grow slowly, demand perfect soil, or come with major pest and disease concerns. Drake Elm is built differently.
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Adapts to difficult soil – Drake elms are adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, and can thrive in both acidic and alkaline conditions.
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Handles city conditions – The Drake Elm has high tolerance for urban air pollution and compacted soils, making it suitable for city landscapes.
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Offers ornamental bark, not just shade – Its lacebark elm character gives the trunk a layered mix of grey, green, orange, and brown shades that most deciduous shade trees cannot match.
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Outperforms many traditional elms – Compared with many American elms, Drake offers better disease resilience and a more manageable mature size for modern properties.
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Fits a wide climate range – Drake elms thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, making them suitable for a variety of climates.
For best performance, remember that this variety still needs smart placement. The aggressive, shallow root system of the Drake Elm can damage sidewalks, driveways, and sewer lines if planted too close to structures. Give this tree enough area to grow wide, tall, and strong.
How To Grow The Drake Elm Tree Successfully
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Choose the right planting site
Select a full sun location with room for the mature canopy. Drake elms can grow up to 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide, so it’s important to provide them with enough space when planting. Avoid tight spots near sidewalks, driveways, sewer lines, and overhead utilities. -
Plant in well drained soil and water deeply
Prepare a wide planting hole, keep the root flare at grade, backfill with native soil, and mulch around the tree without piling mulch against the trunk. These trees require full sun and adequate watering during the growing season to ensure healthy growth, especially during the first year while new growth and roots establish. -
Train the structure as the canopy develops
As the Drake elm grows, prune early to create a strong central leader and balanced branch spacing. Branches of the Drake Elm can snap or drop during storms if not properly pruned to maintain a strong central leader.
With the right start, Drake develops into a great shade tree with arching branches, a rounded canopy, and textured bark that improves with time.
Tree Specifications
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Botanical name: Ulmus parvifolia ‘Drake’
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Common names: Drake elm, Drake Chinese elm, lacebark elm
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Tree type: Fast-growing deciduous to semi-evergreen shade tree, depending on climate
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Mature size: The Drake elm (Ulmus parvifolia ‘Drake’) is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters) and a spread of 35 to 50 feet (10 to 15 meters).
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Additional size note: Drake elms can grow up to 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide, so it’s important to provide them with enough space when planting.
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Shape: Drake elms have a rounded to weeping vase shape, characterized by long arching branches that create a graceful and charming canopy.
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Leaves: The leaves of the Drake elm are small, dark green, and toothed, typically measuring around 2 inches (5 cm) long, with prominent veins that enhance their ornamental appeal.
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Flowers and fruit: Drake elm trees produce small, winged samaras that appear in the spring, which are flat and papery, adding to the tree’s ornamental characteristics.
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Self-seeding note: The tree produces millions of winged samaras, leading to aggressive self-seeding that can create maintenance challenges.
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Bark: The Drake elm tree features a unique mottled bark that displays shades of grey, green, orange, and brown, adding visual interest to its appearance.
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Sun exposure: Full sun is best, though partial sun may be tolerated in some locations.
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Soil requirements: Drake elms are adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, and can thrive in both acidic and alkaline conditions. Well drained soil is preferred.
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Urban tolerance: The Drake Elm has high tolerance for urban air pollution and compacted soils, making it suitable for city landscapes.
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Weather tolerance: This tree is known for its resilience, being tolerant of heat, drought, and wind, making it suitable for urban environments.
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Drought tolerance: Once established, the Drake Elm is highly drought-tolerant and can manage occasional brief flooding.
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Hardiness: It thrives best in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9 and can tolerate cold down to roughly 5°F.
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Broader zone range: Drake elms thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, making them suitable for a variety of climates.
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Growth rate: Medium-fast to fast, often producing noticeable new growth each year under good care.
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Care needs: Prune young trees to build structure, manage seedlings, and avoid planting too close to hardscape or utilities.
Who It’s For
Ideal for:
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California homeowners who want a fast-growing shade tree with dark green foliage and long-season beauty, and who may also be comparing flowering trees for curb appeal and seasonal color
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Property owners with urban or suburban soil challenges, including clay, compacted soil, heat, and wind exposure, who may also benefit from versatile options like Fern Pine privacy and shade trees
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Landscape designers creating drought-tolerant installations with strong structure and year-round bark interest who want quick access to evergreen, fast-growing, and privacy trees for layered planting plans
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Homeowners wanting a specimen tree with a textured trunk, arching branches, and a wide canopy, or those considering mature trees for instant shade and structure
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Anyone planning for the future who wants quick landscape transformation without choosing a fragile tree
Drake Elm is also a great option if you are wondering which elms perform well in tough environments. Native to parts of China, Japan, and Korea, Ulmus parvifolia has also become familiar to many plant lovers through bonsai and through other selections like the True Green Chinese Elm and the broader Chinese Elm shade tree, though Drake is best known as a full-size landscape cultivar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Drake Elm easy to plant and establish?
Yes. Drake is relatively easy to establish when planted in full sun, well drained soil, and a properly sized area. Water consistently during the first growing season, then reduce watering as the tree becomes established.
How much water does a Drake Elm need?
These trees require full sun and adequate watering during the growing season to ensure healthy growth. Once established, the Drake Elm is highly drought-tolerant and can manage occasional brief flooding.
Will Drake Elm seedlings become a problem?
They can. The tree produces millions of winged samaras, leading to aggressive self-seeding that can create maintenance challenges. If seedlings appear, remove them early before they develop strong roots.
Is Drake Elm resistant to pests and disease?
Drake is considered a hardy Chinese elm cultivar with strong resilience compared with many traditional elms. It is also tolerant of heat, drought, wind, urban air pollution, and compacted soils, making it suitable for demanding landscapes.
Can Drake Elm damage sidewalks or pipes?
Yes, placement matters. The aggressive, shallow root system of the Drake Elm can damage sidewalks, driveways, and sewer lines if planted too close to structures. Leave generous planting space and ask for site-specific tips before ordering.
Can Yardwork help me decide if Drake Elm is right for my area?
Yes. Visit Yardwork to review tree details, hear recommendations for your site, and find support with delivery, guarantee information, consultation services, and soil testing before planting.
Ready to Transform Your Landscape?
Stop waiting years for a slow-growing shade tree to mature. Choose Drake Elm and create a cooler, greener, more beautiful outdoor space with a fast-growing tree known for graceful form, durable performance, and standout bark, or compare it with compact options like the Rocky Mountain Glow Maple shade tree for smaller spaces.
Order your Drake Elm Tree through Yardwork and move forward with confidence, or explore Yardwork’s online plant nursery and landscape support for even more options.
Yardwork also offers consultation services and soil testing support to help you plant in the right place, improve establishment, and enjoy your tree for years to come, whether you’re adding productive citrus fruit trees for your landscape or complementary shade companions like the California Pepper Tree and other featured trees.
Plants vary greatly by type and no guarantees are made on sizing.
However here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
48" Box Tree 10-12 Ft. Tall
Please note: Citrus and California Native plants such as Manzanita are smaller than traditional sizing.
Please contact us to confirm sizing of items before purchasing if this is a concern.
Plants vary greatly by type and no guarantees are made on sizing.
However here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
48" Box Tree 10-12 Ft. Tall
Please note: Citrus and California Native plants such as Manzanita are smaller than traditional sizing.
Please contact us to confirm sizing of items before purchasing if this is a concern.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants larger than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside.
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes larger than a 24" box size will require equipment and an operator onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants larger than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside.
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes larger than a 24" box size will require equipment and an operator onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee.
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Thousands of Healthy Plants Delivered
Yardwork was so great to work with. First they had the Swan Hill olive trees that we had been searching for, we had contacted several other nurseries without any luck previously. Then they answered all of our questions in a timely matter prior to ordering and finally delivered within a few days of placing it. Their staff is incredibly knowledgeable; they delivered and planted our trees with expertise to ensure that they would do well in our yard. We would definitely work with them again for future projects.
A Modern Experience
At Yardwork, we carefully curate thousands of plants, in all container sizes, to provide you with the best selection of the highest quality trees and plants at the best price, with the convenience of an online platform.
Uncompromised Quality
We choose only the finest specimens and hand select our plants just before delivery to ensure you receive the freshest and most robust specimens available for your landscape.
Industry Leading Warranties
Our 30, 90, and 365 extended warranties provide some of the best coverage to ensure our trees and plants thrive in your landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
We're committed to changing everything about trees and plants - how they’re grown, how you shop for them, and how much they cost. We handle orders ourselves. No middlemen to get between us (or our prices) and you.
We're committed to changing everything about trees and plants - how they’re grown, how you shop for them, and how much they cost. We handle orders ourselves. No middlemen to get between us (or our prices) and you.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants LARGER than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside (usually on the driveway or near the front doorstep).
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes LARGER than a 24" box size will require equipment and/or enough manpower onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to help coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee as well.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants LARGER than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside (usually on the driveway or near the front doorstep).
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes LARGER than a 24" box size will require equipment and/or enough manpower onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to help coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee as well.
We ship locally within California within 7-10 days of your order being placed.
We ship nationally using carrier partners, based on order size. Our common order minimums for out of state shipping is $5,000.
Text or call 323-576-4159 for specific shipping details for your location.
We ship locally within California within 7-10 days of your order being placed.
We ship nationally using carrier partners, based on order size. Our common order minimums for out of state shipping is $5,000.
Text or call 323-576-4159 for specific shipping details for your location.
We are currently online only and don't have physical locations where you can view plants in person.
That's why we have photos direct from the growing grounds of the plants we will ship and we display pricing right in our store.
We do make sure to pick the very best trees and plants prior to shipping and make sure that they have gone through our multi-point inspection for health and structure.
We will always reach out prior to delivery if we find a quality issue or need to provide a substitute.
We are currently online only and don't have physical locations where you can view plants in person.
That's why we have photos direct from the growing grounds of the plants we will ship and we display pricing right in our store.
We do make sure to pick the very best trees and plants prior to shipping and make sure that they have gone through our multi-point inspection for health and structure.
We will always reach out prior to delivery if we find a quality issue or need to provide a substitute.
Plants vary greatly by type. Here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Shrub/Tree 7-9 Ft. Tall
48" Box Shrub/Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
**Please note that we do not make guarantees of sizes. If you have questions or concerns, please call or text to request accurate sizing for the particular plant you're considering, prior to ordering.
Plants vary greatly by type. Here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Shrub/Tree 7-9 Ft. Tall
48" Box Shrub/Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
**Please note that we do not make guarantees of sizes. If you have questions or concerns, please call or text to request accurate sizing for the particular plant you're considering, prior to ordering.
We offer a limited 30 day warranty for plants that are delivered and planted by someone else and a 90 day warranty for plants that we plant.
The limited warranty covers plants that die as a result of disease or fungus which was derived from our growing grounds or from root balls that were root bound.
The warranty does not cover damage due to watering, fertilizer, soils, or any other conditions beyond our control. Additionally, the warranty does not cover plants that are shipped out of the state of California or shipped into California from other states. Custom plant orders are also not covered under warranty. Plants must be planted within 24 hours after delivery to qualify.
We can assist you in recommending the right soils and fertilizers to help your plant thrive after you plant it.
Text or call 323-576-4159 for further warranty information.
We offer a limited 30 day warranty for plants that are delivered and planted by someone else and a 90 day warranty for plants that we plant.
The limited warranty covers plants that die as a result of disease or fungus which was derived from our growing grounds or from root balls that were root bound.
The warranty does not cover damage due to watering, fertilizer, soils, or any other conditions beyond our control. Additionally, the warranty does not cover plants that are shipped out of the state of California or shipped into California from other states. Custom plant orders are also not covered under warranty. Plants must be planted within 24 hours after delivery to qualify.
We can assist you in recommending the right soils and fertilizers to help your plant thrive after you plant it.
Text or call 323-576-4159 for further warranty information.
Our local delivery team covers most cities in California.
There are some exceptions, so please get in touch to confirm prior to ordering.
Additionally, we ship using semi trucks and trailers throughout the entire United States and even abroad for large orders over $5,000. Each shipment is custom, so please reach out to our team to coordinate.
Our local delivery team covers most cities in California.
There are some exceptions, so please get in touch to confirm prior to ordering.
Additionally, we ship using semi trucks and trailers throughout the entire United States and even abroad for large orders over $5,000. Each shipment is custom, so please reach out to our team to coordinate.