Japanese Zelkova, Saw Leaf Zelkova
Zelkova serrata

Family: Ulmaceae

What it is like

Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Vase.

Zelkova serrata is a deciduous Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, 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): 25

Where it is found

Lowlands and mountains of C. and S. Japan. Valleys, beside streams at elevations of 500 - 2000 metres in China.

E. Asia - E. China, Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves - cooked.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Wood - tough, hard, beautifully grained. Used for tool handles, construction, furniture etc.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Pest tolerant, Aggressive surface roots possible, Specimen, Street tree. 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. Special Features:Not North American native, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms.

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: 5-8

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Z. acuminata. Z. formosa. Z. hirta. Z. keaki. Abelicea hirta. Corchorus hirtus. non L. C. serr