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Japanese Zelkova

Zelkova serrata

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Japanese Zelkova (Zelkova serrata) at Hicks Nurseries

Japanese Zelkova

Japanese Zelkova

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Japanese Zelkova (Zelkova serrata) at Hicks Nurseries

Japanese Zelkova foliage

Japanese Zelkova foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  70 feet

Spread:  50 feet

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  5a

Description:

A close relative of the elm, a tall and beautiful shade tree with a vase-shaped habit, interesting peeling bark and good fall color; low maintenance and trouble-free, an excellent choice for street plantings or larger landscapes

Ornamental Features

Japanese Zelkova has forest green deciduous foliage on a tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. The serrated pointy leaves turn an outstanding orange in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Japanese Zelkova is a deciduous tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Japanese Zelkova is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Shade

Planting & Growing

Japanese Zelkova will grow to be about 70 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 50 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 5 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Shade 
Applications
Fall Color 
Ornamental Features
This Plant Finder tool is an online resource representing many of the varieties that we carry over the course of the season, and is intended for informational purposes only. Inventory varies seasonally, so we cannot guarantee that every plant will be in stock at all times - please contact the store directly for current availability. It does not include our entire selection of plants, so be sure to visit our store to see varieties that may not be represented on this list.