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Zelkova serrata

Also Known As

Japanese Zelkova

Plant type

tree

size

H: 50'-80'
W: 50'-80'

planting zones

5a-9b

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Zelkova serrata plant details

Zelkova serrata is a broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. In spring green and yellow flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and even moisture water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something pollution tolerant and wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Zelkova serrata

Plant type: tree
Plant family: ulmaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 50 FT - 80 FT - wide, 50 FT - 80 FT - tall
Flowers: green and yellow blooms in spring
Uses: distinctive bark, fall color

GROWING CONDITIONS for Zelkova serrata

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: pollution and wind
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A close relative of Elms, Japanese Zelkova is an attractive medium-sized tree with narrow leaves and strong branches. Due to its similarity to Elm species in its appearance and growth habit, Zelkova has become a good replacement for Elms in areas that suffer from Dutch Elm Disease. Zelkova are most often used as street and lawn trees but are also extremely popular for bonsai. They develop thick, often fissured trunks with branches close together and respond well to heavy pruning.

By: Red Panda Nursery

Member of the Elm family, but resistant to Dutch Elm disease. Older trees exhibit an especially attractive bark. Vigorous in the nursery, these seedlings have been lightly pruned to encourage straight stems.

By: Heritage Seedlings

A beautiful tree to 50', possibly more in ideal conditions, with slightly less spread. Bark is an attractive red-brown in youth, turning to gray-brown, often exfoliating with a character similar to the Chinese Elm. A small flower arrives in April with the leaves, and has a variable leaf color in the fall ranging from yellow to deep red. Prefers moist, deep soil, although once established it is very wind and drought tolerant, and somewhat tolerant of pollution.