ExplorePlants

Japanese Zelkova

zelkova serrata

The Japanese Zelkova is a beautiful tree that can grow very tall! Its leaves change color with the seasons, making it a lovely sight all year round.

Habitat: They thrive in parks, gardens, and along streets in temperate climates.

Appearance

The Japanese Zelkova has a distinctive vase-shaped canopy and smooth, gray bark that peels off in attractive patches, revealing orange-brown inner bark. Its small, oval, serrated leaves emerge green and transform into brilliant yellow, orange, or russet hues in autumn.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyUlmaceaeGenusZelkova
Japanese Zelkova
solitary trait badgearboreal trait badgecolorful trait badgeforest trait badge
Japanese Zelkova

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

0/5 · No known danger

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Its wood is prized for making traditional taiko drums, known for their powerful sound!

Some ancient Zelkova trees in Japan are considered sacred and have lived for centuries!

The tree's distinctive vase shape provides natural, widespread shade, perfect for hot days!

Young Zelkova trees can be shaped into unique bonsai, miniature versions of their grand selves!

Special abilities

Ability

Bark Chameleon

Japanese Zelkova has unique exfoliating bark that sheds to reveal beautiful colors, helping the tree grow and stay healthy.

Ability

Wind Warrior

Its strong, flexible branches and deep root system allow the Japanese Zelkova to withstand powerful winds and storms.

Ability

Urban Champion

This adaptable tree can thrive in city environments, tolerating pollution and compacted soils where others might struggle.

Measurements & details

Height
2000-3000 cm
Spread
1500-2000 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Wind

Ecological connections

eaten by

Zelkova Leafminer Moth

Phyllonorycter zelkovae

Larvae feed inside the leaves

eaten by

Sika Deer

Cervus nippon

Browses on young leaves and shoots

shelters

Jungle Crow

Corvus macrorhynchos

Builds nests in its large branches

Traits

Also known as

Japanese ElmZelkovaZelkova Tree

Collections

Safety

Danger

0/5 · No known danger

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Japanese Zelkova?

2000-3000 cm

How wide does Japanese Zelkova spread?

1500-2000 cm

How big are the flowers on Japanese Zelkova?

0.5-1 cm

When does Japanese Zelkova bloom?

Spring

Is Japanese Zelkova edible?

No

Is Japanese Zelkova toxic?

None

What is Japanese Zelkova's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Japanese Zelkova pollinated?

Wind

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Plants