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Japanese Zelkova (Zelkova serrata)
$50-150avg. price
Tree🦌 Deer Resistant💧 Drought Tolerant

Japanese Zelkova

Zelkova serrata

Japanese Zelkova is the go-to replacement for American Elm — a vase-shaped shade tree with the same graceful silhouette but resistant to Dutch elm disease. Beautiful exfoliating bark reveals orange and brown patterns in winter. Reliable bronze-to-red fall color. 'Green Vase' and 'Village Green' are top cultivars. Tough, adaptable, and elegant.

Hardiness Zones
5-8
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water Needs
Moderate
Maintenance
Low
Mature Size
50-80 ft H × 50-75 ft W
Growth Rate
Moderate
Bloom Season
Spring (insignificant)
Bloom Color
Orange-bronze-red fall foliage; exfoliating bark

Care Guide

Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Very adaptable to urban conditions — tolerates drought, pollution, wind, and a range of soil types. Train with a central leader when young. Minimal pruning once established. Excellent street tree. Relatively pest-free.

Landscape Uses

Shade treeStreet treeSpecimen treeElm replacementLarge properties

Best Growing Regions

northeastmidwestsoutheastwest

Great Companion Plants

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