Common Name:

General Information

Zelkova carpinifolia is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 metres tall. The bole is usually comparatively short, around 3 - 6 metres tall, dividing into a great number of erect, crowded branches[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood. It is grown as an ornamental in parks and large gardens.
The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

W. Asia - Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Iran

Habitat

Forests[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	22.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Zelkova carpinifolia 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[, ].
Relatively tolerant of shade, the plant prefers a deep, moist, loamy soil which can be acid or alkaline[].
A slow-growing but long-lived 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

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The yellowish-white wood is tough and flexible, does not crack and warp, takes a fine polish, and is very durable even when placed in wet situations. Of good quality, it is suitable for cabinet work and carriage building[, ].
A strong serviceable timber though, while there is some resemblance to the keyaki of Japan (Zelkova serrata), there is an entire absence of that beautiful sheen or lustre which the Japanese wood possesses in a high degree[].

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.