How fast does it grow?

It is considered a moderate to fast grower once established.

Does it need a lot of water?

It prefers consistent moisture but is fairly adaptable once mature.

Plant guide

Japanese zelkova.

Zelkova serrata

Pronounced ZEL-koh-vuh seh-RAY-tuh

Also known as Grey-bark Elm, Japanese Elm, Japanese Zelkova, Japanese-elm, Keaki, Sawleaf zelkova, keyaki, saw-leaf zelkova

The Japanese zelkova is a beautiful, vase shaped tree often used as a shade tree in landscapes. It is prized for its graceful form and attractive, exfoliating bark as it ages. You will love how its leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, or red in the fall.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Deciduous tree
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 50 to 80 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 5 to 8
Bloom time: Mid to late spring

Care

Plant this tree in a spot with plenty of room to spread out as it matures. Keep an eye on the leaves for signs of pests or wilting during dry spells. Ensure the soil drains well to keep the roots healthy.

Watering: Water deeply during the first few years to help it establish a strong root system.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer once in early spring before new growth begins.
Pruning: Prune during the dormant winter season to maintain its shape and remove dead branches.
Repotting: Repotting is generally only relevant for young trees or bonsai specimens.
Soil: Deep, moist, well drained soil
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Temperature: -25 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Long lived, often exceeding 100 years.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of drainage holes
Water running straight through the pot
Stunted growth during the active season

Safety

People: There are no known toxic parts for humans.
Children: The tree is safe for children, though fallen twigs can be sharp.
Contact allergens: No specific contact irritants are known.
Airborne allergens: The pollen may cause mild seasonal allergies in sensitive individuals.
Edibility: The fruit is not considered edible for humans.

How to identify it

Vase shaped branching habit
Serrated leaf margins
Exfoliating bark on mature trees
Small, inconspicuous flowers
Alternate leaf arrangement

Height: 15 to 25m
Spread: 12 to 20m
Leaves: green, yellow, orange, red, deciduous
Flowers: green, yellow, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: brown, Autumn

Problems to watch for

Aphids · Small insects that feed on sap and may cause honeydew buildup.
Canker · Fungal infections that cause localized dead areas on the bark.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Young trees benefit from a layer of mulch around the base to protect roots from extreme cold. No special protection is needed for established specimens.
In containers: It is frequently used for bonsai but is not suitable for long term container growth as a full sized tree.

Seed

1. Collect seeds in late autumn.
2. Cold stratify seeds for 60 to 90 days.
3. Sow in a well draining seed starting mix.
4. Keep moist until germination.

Plant shallow rooted perennials beneath the canopy to avoid disturbing the tree's root system.

Grows well with

Hosta · These shade lovers thrive under the canopy of a mature tree.
Japanese Maple · They share similar soil requirements and provide a beautiful color contrast.

Similar species

American Elm · It has a similar vase shape but is susceptible to different diseases.

Science

Family: Ulmaceae
Genus: Zelkova
Order: Rosales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Japan, Korea, Eastern China, and Taiwan.
Conservation: It is not currently listed as endangered or threatened in its native range.

It naturally grows in moist, fertile valleys and along riverbanks where it can access deep groundwater.

Value to wildlife: shelter for birds, nesting habitat
Pollinators: bees
Uses: shade tree, street tree, bonsai specimen

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How fast does it grow?: It is considered a moderate to fast grower once established.
Does it need a lot of water?: It prefers consistent moisture but is fairly adaptable once mature.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Zelkova comes from the Georgian name for the tree, while serrata refers to the saw toothed edges of the leaves.

Good to know

The wood is highly valued in Japan for making fine furniture.
It is often called the Japanese Zelkova.
The leaves turn a beautiful bronze or red in the fall.
It has a vase shaped growth habit when mature.

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.