Zelkova serrata
Common name: 
Japanese Zelkova
Saw-leaf Zelkova
Pronunciation: 
zel-KO-va ser-RA-ta
Family: 
Ulmaceae
Genus: 
Zelkova
Type: 
Broadleaf
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: 
No
  • Broadleaf deciduous tree, 50-60(80) ft [15-18(24) m], vase-shaped, low branched. Bark smooth-gray initially. Leaves simple, alternate, ovate to oblong-ovate, 2.5-5 cm long (on some shoots to 13 cm long), sharply serrate with acuminate teeth, parallel veins, 8-14 vein pairs, dark green and somewhat rough above (similar to a small-leaved elm, and related to Ulmus); fall color is variable and may range from yellow, yellow or orange bronze, orange, red and reddish purple.  Flowers are small, green and inconspicuous.  Fruit small triangular drupe, about 2mm long, green then brown.
  • Sun, prefers moist, deep soil, pH adaptable; once established, wind and drought tolerant.  Some considered it a good substitute for American elm, for it is resistant to Dutch-elm disease, but generally it has not gained acceptance as a substitute.  Relatively slow growing.
  • Many cultivars, including:
    • Autumn Glow™ -  ('Glodell')  -  compact form, 35 ft (11 m) tall with a 25-30 ft (8-9 m) spread, red, purple fall color.
    • Green Vase®  -  50 ft tall and 40 ft wide (15 x 12 m), vase shaped with upright arching branches, orange fall color, taller and more graceful than Village Green, popular.
    • 'Halka'  -   fast growing, 50 ft tall (15 m) and 30 ft (9 m) wide, open, loose, irregular habit, "best American elm mimic" (Sunset), yellow fall color.
    • 'Musashino'  -  upright, narrow, 45 ft tall and only 20 ft wide (14 x 6 m), yellow fall color.
    • 'Variegata'  -  small, weak growing tree, leaves small, green with a white rim around the margin.
    • 'Village Green'  -  40 ft (12 m) tall and similar width, vase shaped, rounded, dense foliage, rusty-red in fall.
    • Wireless®  -  low and spreading, 25 ft (7.6 m) tall and 36 ft (11 m) wide, vase form, suitable for under utility lines, red fall color.
  • Hardy to USDA Zone 5      Native to Japan
  • Corvallis: Central Park, on Madison Ave near 6th St.; south and east sides of Corvallis Library
  • Oregon State Univ. campus: large tree in front of West Hall on 30th St.; SE corner Valley Library near fountain 
Click image to enlarge
  • plant habit, spring

    plant habit, spring

  • plant habit, summer

    plant habit, summer

  • plant habit, summer

    plant habit, summer

  • branches

    branches

  • leaves

    leaves

  • leafy shoot

    leafy shoot

  • flower clusters and flowers, spring

    flower clusters and flowers, spring

  • leaves and fruit, summer

    leaves and fruit, summer

  • street scene, summer and fall

    street scene, summer and fall

  • plant habit, fall

    plant habit, fall

  • plant habit, fall

    plant habit, fall

  • leafy shoots, fall

    leafy shoots, fall

  • leafy shoots, fall

    leafy shoots, fall

  • leaves, fall

    leaves, fall

  • leaf margin, comparison

    leaf margin, comparison

  • trunk, bark

    trunk, bark

  • older tree trunk, bark

    older tree trunk, bark

  • plant habit, winter

    plant habit, winter

  • plant habit, winter

    plant habit, winter

  • winter twigs and buds

    winter twigs and buds