Hemiptelea davidii aka Thorn Elm

Hemiptelea davidii is a deciduous tree in the elm family, Ulmaceae. Its native range runs from China to Korea. It grows in temperate regions and loses its leaves seasonally. The name Zelkova davidii is a synonym. This tree can reach about 49 feet [15 metres] tall. The sources give no separate height range for garden plants.

In its native range, it grows on slopes and beside trails. It also occurs in hedges and on banks of loose soil. Some trees near homes may have been planted. Recorded habitats lie below about 6,560 feet [2,000 metres]. In gardens, it can form part of a woodland canopy. Growers in China also use it for hedges. These uses place it in both wooded and managed settings.

The flowers appear in April. Seeds ripen from September to October, well after the spring bloom. Flowers may carry both male and female organs. Some plants may instead bear separate male and female flowers. The sources do not describe the flowers' colour or shape. They also give no details of the fruit's appearance. Young leaves have food uses, though the tree has other uses too.

For cultivation, it prefers deep, moist loam. It also grows in sandy and clay soils. It accepts mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline ground. It can grow in full sun or partial shade. PFAF lists USDA hardiness zones 3–7. It also suggests possible resistance to Dutch elm disease. This is a cautious claim, not a firm disease guarantee. Sow fresh seed before it dries fully on the tree. Stored seed needs stratification before sowing. Young seedlings should spend their first winter under greenhouse cover. Plant them out after the last expected spring frost.

Cooked young leaves can be added to rice dumplings. Tender leaves also provide material for a drink. The seeds yield oil, but its food safety is unclear. Bark fibre supplies material for sacks and rayon. The hard wood serves for making utensils. PFAF records medicinal uses for soothing irritation and reducing fever. It also lists use to promote urine flow. These records do not establish medical safety or effectiveness. PFAF reports no known hazards, rather than proof of harmlessness.