Tree Information
Specialities
Tolerances
Wet Soil: Medium
Dry Soil: Medium
Lime: Medium
Zelkova serrata Green Vase is a medium-sized tree with attractive bright green leaves in the summer and is notable for its autumnal show. It is very tolerant of most conditions and as such is a good choice for urban planting. The form, as the name suggests, is vase-shaped, which it retains into maturity.
The leaf shape is similar to the hornbeam, but longer, from 5-12cm long with coarser toothed, serrated margins. Its small greenish flowers appear at the same time as the leaves and are insignificant. Autumn leaves provide a striking orange-red colour which is very attractive through October. The trunk is also significant with smooth grey attractive bark that becomes flaky in late maturity.
It thrives in moist well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade and is not fussy about the PH value. Once established, it was been proven to be tolerant of high levels of heat, periods of drought and poor soils. It is a fast-growing tree that is quick to establish and as such, is a highly valued forestry tree in its native Japan where it is used for making furniture. One interesting characteristic is that its leaves emerge in spring in sporadic clumps throughout the canopy and the autumn colour often appears to follow this pattern.
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Useful ResourcesSize
Large
12m high x 5m wide after 25 years
Environment
Makes a great avenue, street and park tree. Ideal for planting in areas.
Canopy
A fast growing vase shaped tree with branches steeply ascending. Has a narrower crown than the typical species, however it is still quite wide and semi-open in nature. As the tree matures, the crown expands in breadth and is ideal for capturing rainfall.
Foliage
Leaves are ovoid to elongated and emerge a soft green. Each leaf has singular teeth that taper to a point along the edge. In autumn, leaves will transition to a lovely yellow to orange-red.
Bark
Initially appears smooth with grey, pink and brown lenticels. The bark flakes as it matures, revealing orange and browns.
Flowers
Inconspicuous green flowers will appear in spring.
Fruit
Small bean shaped fruits will appear in autumn.
Resilience
Most moist, well drained soils, including moist, loamy soil, and will do well in full sun or partial shade. Great for urban planting as it tolerates paving and frost.
Available As:
Semi-Mature, Super Semi-Mature
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