[3] The samara is mostly glabrous, the seed at the centre or toward the apex, is borne on a stalk 1–3 mm in length; it matures rapidly and disperses by late autumn.

The trunk has a handsome, flaking bark of mottled greys with tans and reds, giving rise to its other common name, the lacebark elm, although scarring from major branch loss can lead to large, canker-like wounds.

[13] Elms, hickory, and ash all have remarkably hard, tough wood, making them popular for tool handles, bows, and baseball bats.

Chinese elm lumber is used most for furniture, cabinets, veneer, hardwood flooring, and specialty uses such as longbow construction and tool handles.

[citation needed] Chinese elm heartwood ranges in tone from reddish-brown to light tan, while the sapwood approaches off-white.

While it turns easily and will take a nice polish off the lathe without any finish, and it holds detail well, the fibrous wood is usually considered too tough for carving or hand tools.

[16] Cottony cushion scale or mealy bugs, often protected and "herded" by ants, exude sticky, sweet honeydew, which can mildew leaves and be a minor annoyance by dripping on cars and furniture.

[citation needed] In some regions of the Southern United States, a fungus known as Phymatotrichopsis omnivora is known to cause sudden death of lacebark elms when infected.

[citation needed] Alan Mitchell reported (1984) that established trees at Kew Gardens and at Royal Victoria Park, Bath, had been killed by honey fungus.

[17] The Chinese elm is a tough landscape tree, hardy enough for use in harsh planting situations such as parking lots, small planters along streets, and plazas or patios.

Owing to its versatility and ability to tolerate a wide range of temperatures, light, and humidity conditions, the Chinese elm is a popular choice as a bonsai species.

Carl E. Whitcomb of Oklahoma State University, who raised the cultivar 'Prairie Shade', reintroduced the name "lacebark elm" in his Know It and Grow It: A guide to the identification and use of landscape plants (1975).