Common Name: Japanese Zelkova

General Information

Zelkova serrata is a deciduous tree with a broad, spreading crown; it can grow 25 metres tall, exceptionally to 30 metres. The straight, cylindrical bole is usually up to 100cm in diameter, exceptionally to 300cm[, ].
The wood is highly esteemed for construction and decorative work - the tree is harvested from the wild for commercial use as a timber and for local use as a food and medicine. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - eastern and southern China, central and southern Japan.

Habitat

Lowlands and mountains[]. Valleys, beside streams; at elevations from 500 - 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	25.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Zelkova serrata is very cold-tolerant, able to withstand temperatures falling to around 25°c when dormant, but the young growth is more susceptible and can be damaged by late frosts in the spring[, ].
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[].
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[].

Edible Uses

Young leaves - cooked[, ].

Medicinal

The bark and leaves are used medicinally[].

Other Uses

The golden-brown wood is fine-grained, tough, hard, elastic, durable - both in the ground and when exposed to the air. A very handsome, decorative wood with a beautiful grain, it somewhat resembles English elm in colour, but with a much finer quality of texture. It can be used for panelling, furniture, tool handles, construction, furniture etc[, , , ].
The wood is highly esteemed by the Japanese, who consider it the best building material in Japan, although it has become so scarce and expensive that it is not now used for this purpose except in temples, where the large, light brown, highly polished columns which support the roof are always made of this wood[]. The most beautiful trays and cabinets which come from Japan are made of dark, irregularly-grained and wavy-lined wood of the Zelkova[].

Propagation

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.