Considered closely related to the Large-fruited Elm U. macrocarpa, it is distinguishable from that species by its mottled, flaking bark and smaller leaves.

[3] The perfect wind-pollinated apetalous flowers are produced on second-year shoots in March–April; the large < 35 mm diameter samarae appear from April to May.

[1] In the trials at the Morton Arboretum, Illinois, U. lamellosa was found to have a good resistance to Dutch elm disease.

[4] The species was also found to be among the least suitable elms for feeding and reproduction by the Japanese Beetle Popillia japonica [5] in the United States.

Rare in cultivation beyond China, it is one of a number of Chinese species which were assessed for their horticultural merit at the Morton Arboretum, where it was adjudged suitable for planting in parks and gardens, but found to be typically intolerant of wet soils.