Chinese Zelkova
Zelkova schneideriana
Family: Ulmaceae
What it is like
Zelkova schneideriana is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft 5in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 30
Where it is found
Beside streams at elevations of 200 - 1100 metres (1800 - 2800 metres in Yunnan and Xizang Provinces).
E. Asia - southwest China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The fibre from the bark is used for manufacturing ropes and paper. The high quality timber is resistant to decay.
Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in almost any good soil, acid or alkaline, preferring a deep well-drained moist loam. Prefers a moderately sheltered position. Relatively shade tolerant. A fast growing tree. Dormant plants are very cold-tolerant, but they are sometimes damaged by late spring frosts when they are young. Plants are susceptible to Dutch Elm Disease, but the beetle that is the vector of this disease rarely feeds on Zelkova so infestation is rare. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed requires stratification and should be sown as early in the year as possible. Germination rates are variable. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist