Zelkova serrata (Japanese Zelkova)

Prized for its graceful shape, clean serrated foliage and attractive bark, award-winning Zelkova serrata (Japanese Zelkova) is a spreading deciduous tree with an upward-branching, vase-shaped crown. The foliage of neatly toothed, lance-shaped, mid-green leaves turns attractive shades of gold, dark red, or cinnamon in fall. Its smooth gray bark exfoliates with age to reveal orange inner bark. Tiny flowers appear in spring as the foliage unfurls, but they are not particularly showy. Both a shade tree and an ornamental tree, Zelkova serrata has good resistance to Dutch elm disease and has recently become a substitute for American elm (Ulmus americana).

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
• Grows up to 50-80 ft. tall and wide (15-24 m).
• A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, fertile, well-drained soils. Tolerates wind, drought, and air pollution.
• Perfect as a specimen tree.
• Virtually pest and disease free. May be affected by Dutch elm disease
• Propagate by softwood cuttings from young plants in summer, grafting in winter or propagate by seed sown outdoors in fall
• Should be transplanted in the spring, as young trees are susceptible to frost.
• Native to Japan, Taiwan and eastern China