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Gerald L. Klingaman
Ulmaceae
Zelkova serrata
Japanese Zelkova
Casting dense shade with its spreading, vase-shaped canopy, Japanese zelkova has handsome bark and pleasing dark glossy green foliage that turns bronzy orange or burgundy in autumn. A medium to tall, deciduous tree from eastern Asia, it is often suggested and used as a disease-resistant substitute for the closely related American elm. The small oval leaves are toothed with a pointed tip. The smooth, dull grayish tan bark eventually exfoliates to reveal underlying rusty-orange patches. The inconspicuous green flowers emerge with the leaves and result in small green fruits.
For lushest growth, plant Japanese zelkova in full sun in any fertile moist well-drained soil. This tree has remarkable tolerance for heat and drought. It makes a good shade tree for residences, parks, campuses, streets, or formal allees. Cultivars 'Green Vase' and 'Village Green' feature a more vase-shaped habit and redder fall foliage. A faster-growing selection that better mimics the classic arching form of American elm is 'Halka', whereas 'Schmidtlow' (Wireless®) offers a compact habit and good red fall color.
9 - 5
5 - 9
3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Tree
Full Sun
40'-80' / 12.2m - 24.4m
40'-60' / 12.2m - 18.3m
Late Spring
Eastern Asia, China, Japan, Korea
Acidic, Neutral
Well Drained
Clay, Loam
Pollution, Drought
Fast
Average Water
Spreading
Spring, Summer, Fall
Insignificant
Green
Green, Dark Green
Dark Green
Orange, Gold, Burgundy, Bronze
Orange, Sandy Brown, Gray
Spotted/Mottled
No
Single
Medium
Glossy
Yes
Exfoliating
Feature Plant, Shade Trees, Street Trees
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