# 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. - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger - **Habitat:** They thrive in parks, gardens, and along streets in temperate climates. - **Also known as:** Japanese Elm, Zelkova, Zelkova Tree ![Japanese Zelkova](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Zelkova_serrata_Noma_keyaki01.jpg&width=800) Photo: ja:User:Miya, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Zelkova_serrata_Noma_keyaki01.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Rosales - **Family:** Ulmaceae - **Genus:** Zelkova ## 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 - **Bark Chameleon:** Japanese Zelkova has unique exfoliating bark that sheds to reveal beautiful colors, helping the tree grow and stay healthy. - **Wind Warrior:** Its strong, flexible branches and deep root system allow the Japanese Zelkova to withstand powerful winds and storms. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sika-deer) (*Cervus nippon*) — Browses on young leaves and shoots - **Shelter:** Jungle Crow (*Corvus macrorhynchos*) — Builds nests in its large branches ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. ## Collections - [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants) ## Safety **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Japanese Zelkova? Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Bready Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bready-park) — Virginia, US · Park - [Stadtpark (Mainz)](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/stadtpark-mainz) — Rheinland-Pfalz, DE · Park - [Komoro Castle Ruins Kaikoen Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/komoro-castle-ruins-kaikoen-park) — Nagano, JP · Park - [Tanzawa-Oyama Quasi-National Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/tanzawa-oyama-quasi-national-park) — Kanto, JP · Park - [Ueno Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/ueno-park) — Kanto, JP · Park - [Ulsan Grand Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/ulsan-grand-park) — KR · Park [View all places to see Japanese Zelkova](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/japanese-zelkova) ## More Plants - [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*) - [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*) - [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*) - [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) --- Source: [Japanese Zelkova: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/japanese-zelkova)