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Japanese zelkova

Zelkova serrata | Family: Ulmaceae

submission: Chrissy McIntire

Identification:

Leaves—

long, narrow, medium green color

Twigs—

very thin and very brown

Flowers—

tiny and green

Fruit—

very small green peas

Bark—

rough texture and dull brown color

Hover over one of the descriptions to see an example.

picture of leaves picture of bark picture of twigs picture of fruit picture of flowers

 

Natural History:

Lifespan—

About 60 years

General description—

Tolerant of urban areas and pollution. It grows best with full sun and moist soils. The tree is notable for its sharp leaves.

Natural distribution and habitat—

Native to East Asia including Japan

Conservation status—

Easily affected by diseases affecting elm trees, however it can resist dutch elm disease.

Uses—

Usually planted in large spaces and parks, not in home gardens. Used for timber in Japan.

References:

  1. “Zelkova Serrata.” Missouribotanicalgarden.org, Missouri Botanical Garden, http://canadiantreetours.org/species-pages/Japanese_zelkova.html
  2. “Village Green Japanese Zelkova.” Chicagobotanic.org, Chicago Botanic Garden, https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/tree_alternatives/village_green_japanese_zelkova
  3. “Japanese Zelkova.” Canadiantreetours.org, Canadian Tree Tours, http://canadiantreetours.org/species-pages/Japanese_zelkova.html

 

 

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