Japanese Zelkova

Zelkova species

Zelkova serrata is a deciduous, tree with a vase-shaped habit that typically grows 50-80 feet tall and most often occurs in rich, moist woods and hillsides and moist stream banks. It is noted for its graceful shape, clean foliage, attractive bark and resistance to Dutch elm disease. Zelkova is often substituted for American elm (Ulmus americana) because of its resistance to Dutch elm disease. Cultivars from the Chinese cousin are also available.

Some notable cultivars: ‘Schmidtlow’ Wireless® (25’ high and 35’ wide); ‘Ogon’ (‘Bright Park’) (golden yellow leaves, coral stems); ‘Musashino’ (narrow upright 45’ high, but only 20’ wide); and ‘JFS-KW1’ City Sprite™ (compact, dense, semi-dwarf 25’ high and 20’ wide).

Exposure: Full sun or light shade
Soil: Tolerates wide variety of soils
Hardiness: USDA Zone 5-8

A concrete walkway lined with Japanese Zelkova trees.

A Japanese Zelkova tree in front of a red brick building.

Four trees growing behind shrubs next to a red brick building.

A tree with green leaves growing at the corner of a red and white building.

A tree with green leaves in a flower bed surrounded by white shrubs.

A small tree with green leaves in an open space in front of a brick building.

A Schmidtlow Wireless Japanese Zelkova tree in a field.

Smooth bark on the trunk and base of the limbs of a tree.

The branches of a Japanese Zelkova tree.

Pointed leaves with ridges from a Japanese Zelkova tree.

Extension

Japanese Zelkova

Zelkova species

Japanese Zelkova GalleryTake a closer look at the different varieties of the Japanese Zelkova tree.