Taxon

Zelkova serrata

 
1 / 5
  Next
Zelkova serrata - Japanese zelkova
.
Common name: Japanese zelkova
Family: Ulmaceae
Distribution: Japan, Taiwan, eastern China
Habitat: Forest to 2000m
IUCN Red list: Near threatened
Hardiness: Zone 5b -15 to -10 F
Life form: Deciduous tree
Usage: Ornamental shade tree
Comments: Japanese zelkova is a medium sized deciduous tree, typically growing to 50-80’ tall with a spreading, generally upward-branching, vase-shaped crown. It is native to Japan, Taiwan and eastern China. It is noted for its graceful shape, clean foliage, attractive bark and resistance to Dutch elm disease. Zelkova has in fact been promoted in recent years as a substitute for American elm (Ulmus americana) because of its resistance to Dutch elm disease. Insignificant small green flowers appear in spring as the foliage emerges. Flowers give way to small, non-showy, ovate, wingless drupes that ripen in autumn. Oblong-elliptic medium green leaves to 3” long with coarse, ciliate marginal teeth and acuminate tips. Fall color is variable, ranging from undistinguished yellow to attractive shades of yellow-orange to red-brown. Smooth gray bark in youth exfoliates with age to reveal orange-brown inner bark. Zelkova is valued as a commercial timber tree in Japan.
Best grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soils in full sun.
Links: Great Plant Picks

Locations

Cluster Area Area
Individual Individual