Botanical Name: Zelkova serrata
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Common Name: Japanese Zelkova  
Plant photo of: Zelkova serrata
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Water Saving Tip:

Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.

Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Tree

 

Height Range

40-60'

 

Flower Color

n/a

 

Flower Season

n/a

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Grey

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Fast

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Formal, Mediterranean, Ranch, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Silhouette, Specimen

 

Seasonal Interest

Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Park, Street Tree

 

Special Uses

Wind Break, Shade Tree

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Steve Jacobs

  • Description

  • Notes

A moderately growing deciduous tree, the Sawleaf Zelkova usually reaches a size 50'-60' high and as wide. Its toothed leaves are elm-like, .5" long and 1.5" wide. Foliage changes to yellow or red duing the fall and is spectacular. This tree starts off in a vase habit, maturing to a wide and open canopy. It becomes drought tolerant with age and is a great wind barrier. Kelkova is used as bonsai also.
Grow in average, well-drained soils in full sun. Established trees tolerate some drought. Prefers rich, loamy soil, though is adaptive. Generally tolerant of urban conditions. On the negative side, it loses its leaves late in the season, and so sometime catches snow which may result in broken limbs.