Japanese Zelkova

Zelkova serrata

Ulmaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced

Last updated

Japanese zelkova (saw-leaf zelkova) is a deciduous broadleaf from Japan reaching 35 ft with erect, single-crown form and slow growth. It has dark green, fine-textured foliage with multi-colored fall foliage (bronze, orange, purple, red, yellow). Small green inconspicuous flowers and smooth gray bark.

Japanese zelkova is hardy in zones 5a-8b and thrives in full sun with adaptable soil (pH 6.0-6.9) and moderate moisture. Growth is slow with low maintenance and long lifespan. It is used for shade and street tree applications and tolerates urban conditions with no drought tolerance.

Widely planted as a street tree and elm replacement throughout the Puget Sound lowlands. Tolerates urban conditions well. Phytophthora stem canker documented in PNW nursery stock; plant on well-drained sites and avoid soil mounding around trunks.

— Chris Welch, ISA Certified Arborist

Plant Profile

Size & Form

Height
50-80 ft
Spread
40-60 ft
Growth Rate
Moderate
Size at 20 yr
40 ft
Lifespan
Long-lived

Site Requirements

Light
Full Sun
Soil Drainage
Adaptable
Soil pH
6.0-6.9
Water
Moderate
Drought Tolerance
Moderate to high
Hardiness
Zones 5a–8b

Ornamental Interest

Bloom Time
April to May
Fall Color
Bronze, orange, purple, red, yellow
Origin
East Asia (Japan, Korea, eastern China, Taiwan)
Watch for this season
Dutch Elm DiseaseHigh

Fungal Colonization of Xylem

Elm leaf beetleHigh

Larval Feeding

Diseases: Regionally Documented (3)

Pests: Regionally Documented (1)

Pests: Other Associations (1)

Phenological Calendar

View full calendar (8 stages)
Stage Typical Window
Bud break BBCH 07 Feb 15-Mar 15
Leaf emergence BBCH 11 Mar 1-Apr 1
Bloom start BBCH 61 Apr 1-Apr 30
Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69 Apr 15-May 15
Fruit/seed development BBCH 71 Jun 1-Aug 31
Fruit/seed maturity BBCH 85 Sep 1-Nov 30
Fall color / leaf senescence BBCH 93 Oct 1-Nov 15
Dormancy BBCH 97 Nov 15-Feb 28
Cultivars (8)
'Franksred' Green Vase®
50 ft tall, 40 ft wide, vase-shaped with upright arching branches; orange fall color; taller and more graceful than Village Green
Very popular street tree selection
'Village Green'
40 ft tall and similar width; vase-shaped, rounded, dense foliage; rusty-red fall color
'Musashino'
Upright, narrow columnar form; 45 ft tall and only 20 ft wide; yellow fall color
Excellent for narrow spaces and street plantings
'Schmidtlow' Wireless®
Low and spreading; 25 ft tall, 36 ft wide; vase form; red fall color
Suitable for planting under utility lines
'JFS-KW1' City Sprite™
Dwarf/compact form
'Glodell' Autumn Glow™
Compact form; 35 ft tall, 25-30 ft spread; red and purple fall color
'Halka'
Fast growing; 50 ft tall, 30 ft wide; open, loose, irregular habit; yellow fall color; described as 'best American elm mimic'
'Variegata'
Small, weak-growing tree; leaves small, green with white rim around margin
Hardy to USDA Zone 5
Data Maturity
Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.