The Chinese elm cultivar Ulmus parvifolia 'Drake' was marketed by the Monrovia Nursery of Azusa, California, first appearing in their 1952âÂÂ1953 catalogue.
A small tree, to 30 or 40 ft tall, with upright, spreading branches, the broad crown developing long, overhanging branchlets when older. The leaves are dark green. 'Drake' is also distinguished by having a bark that begins exfoliating at a relatively young age.
The species and its cultivars are highly resistant, but not immune, to Dutch elm disease, and unaffected by the elm leaf beetle Xanthogaleruca luteola.
'Drake' became the most popular form of U. parvifolia planted in the southern and western states of the United States. It is considered less suitable for planting further north. It has been described as "a poor choice as a street tree as it tends to have a low branching canopy and needs frequent pruning". In Florida it is reported prone to storm damage. One specimen is known to have been introduced to Europe.
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