Japanese Zelkova
Zelkova serrata
Also listed as Abelicea acuminata, Abelicea hirta
Also known as Sawleaf Zelkova, Japanese Elm, Grey-bark Elm
Climate Match for your location
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Japanese Zelkova is a graceful deciduous shade tree with a vase-shaped form similar to American elm. It offers elegant spring foliage, attractive exfoliating bark, and brilliant fall color ranging from yellow to orange to red.
Why grow it
Japanese Zelkova offers a reliable alternative to American elm where that species has declined due to Dutch elm disease. Its vase-shaped branching structure provides similar aesthetic appeal with good shade canopy development, while the exfoliating bark and consistent fall color add seasonal interest. The species performs well across USDA zones 5-8 with moderate drought tolerance once established, making it suitable for various landscape contexts where a medium to large deciduous shade tree is needed.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent moisture during establishment and may develop a somewhat irregular form without early structural pruning. Zelkova can experience chlorosis in highly alkaline soils. Japanese beetles may occasionally feed on foliage in some regions, though damage is typically not severe enough to warrant control in landscape settings.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ulmaceae
Native Range
Japan, Taiwan, eastern China
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Japanese Zelkova is a graceful deciduous shade tree with a vase-shaped form similar to American elm. It offers elegant spring foliage, attractive exfoliating bark, and brilliant fall color ranging from yellow to orange to red.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Japanese Zelkova grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Japanese Zelkova offers a reliable alternative to American elm where that species has declined due to Dutch elm disease. Its vase-shaped branching structure provides similar aesthetic appeal with good shade canopy development, while the exfoliating bark and consistent fall color add seasonal interest. The species performs well across USDA zones 5-8 with moderate drought tolerance once established, making it suitable for various landscape contexts where a medium to large deciduous shade tree is needed.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent moisture during establishment and may develop a somewhat irregular form without early structural pruning. Zelkova can experience chlorosis in highly alkaline soils. Japanese beetles may occasionally feed on foliage in some regions, though damage is typically not severe enough to warrant control in landscape settings.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ulmaceae
Native Range
Japan, Taiwan, eastern China
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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