Japanese Zelkova
Zelkova serrata · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Ulmaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Street Tree, Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Village Green' or 'Green Vase'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8; adaptable to urban heat and various temperate climates.
About This Tree
A medium to large deciduous tree with a distinctive vase-shaped habit and a rounded, spreading crown. It is frequently used as a substitute for the American Elm due to its similar shape and Dutch Elm Disease resistance.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate, ovate-oblong leaves with sharply serrated (saw-tooth) margins and acuminate tips. Primary color is dark green, turning yellow, orange, or rusty red in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Smooth and gray-brown when young; as it matures, it develops small lenticels and eventually exfoliates or peels to reveal a beautiful orange-brown inner bark.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Japan, Korea, and Eastern China; widely adapted to North America and Europe.
Growing Season
Leafs out in mid-spring; flowers in late spring (insignificant); seeds ripen in fall; enters dormancy in late autumn with vibrant color changes.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun for optimal growth; requires regular watering until established, after which it is quite drought-tolerant. Handles various soil types but prefers moist, well-drained loam.
Mature Size
Mature height of 50 to 80 feet with a spread of 40 to 60 feet. Moderate growth rate with a potential lifespan of over 100 years.
Special Characteristics
High resistance to Dutch Elm Disease and Elm Leaf Beetle. Excellent urban tolerance for pollution and wind. Noted for its attractive fall foliage and exfoliating bark pattern.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting sites for various bird species and food for small rodents/birds through its small drupe-like fruits. Its dense canopy offers significant shade and cooling in urban environments.