However, U. gaussenii is now possibly the rarest and most endangered elm species, with only approximately 30 trees known to survive in the wild in 2009.

[4] The tree was introduced to the West in 1995, at the Morton Arboretum, Illinois, as part of an evaluation of Chinese elms for landscape use.

The leaves are generally obovate, < 11 cm long, borne on densely pubescent reddish twigs, sometimes featuring flat corky wings.

The wind-pollinated apetalous flowers appear in March, the large orbicular samarae < 28 mm in diameter ripen in April.

[10] The Anhui elm was considered of particular interest, as its riparian habitat suggests it tolerates anoxic ground during prolonged flooding.